Department of Energy Establishes New Office for Critical and Emerging Technology

The establishment of the Office of Critical and Emerging Technology by the Department of Energy, in line with President Joe Biden’s recent executive order on AI, has been made public. This office will oversee research in crucial areas such as AI, biotechnology, quantum computing, and semiconductors across DOE’s national labs. It will also foster partnerships with academia and industry, and contribute to policy formulation.

Helena Fu has been appointed to lead the office, while also serving as DOE’s chief artificial intelligence officer, a role mandated by Biden’s AI order. Fu provided testimony at a House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing, focusing primarily on AI. During her testimony, she emphasized the DOE’s long-standing involvement in AI research and mentioned the ongoing efforts at national labs to utilize AI for purposes such as enhancing wildfire mapping and electricity transmission. Additionally, she highlighted the active engagement in red teaming to identify potential risks related to new AI tools.

Throughout the hearing, Fu reiterated the importance of the United States’ domestic capabilities in AI, while also stressing the significance of collaboration with the global community. She stated, “Our ability as an S&T superpower really comes from having the best-in-class facilities and the talent, but also our ability to work with others around the world so that we avoid strategic surprise.”

The establishment of the Office of Critical and Emerging Technology signifies a significant step in the DOE’s efforts to advance research and innovation in critical technological fields. The coordination and collaboration facilitated by this office are poised to propel the United States to the forefront of technological advancements, while also ensuring the safeguarding of its AI capabilities from potential vulnerabilities. This initiative aligns with President Biden’s commitment to fostering technological leadership and bolstering national security in the face of a rapidly evolving global landscape. The recognition of the pivotal role played by AI, biotechnology, quantum computing, and semiconductors underscores the government’s proactive stance in steering the country towards a prosperous and secure future. With Helena Fu at the helm, the Office of Critical and Emerging Technology is poised to significantly influence the nation’s trajectory in the realm of cutting-edge technology.