Prime Contract – Clause H.16

CLAUSE H.16 – INTELLECTUAL AND SCIENTIFIC FREEDOM

 

(a)        The Parties recognize the importance of fostering an atmosphere at the Laboratory conducive to scientific inquiry and the development of new knowledge and creative and innovative ideas related to important national interests.

(b)        The Parties further recognize that the free exchange of ideas among scientists and engineers at the Laboratory and colleagues at universities, colleges, and other laboratories or scientific facilities is vital to the success of the scientific, engineering, and technical work performed by Laboratory personnel.

(c)        In order to further the goals of the Laboratory and the national interest, it is agreed by the Parties that the scientific and engineering personnel at the Laboratory shall be accorded the rights of publication or other dissemination of research, and participation in open debate and in scientific, educational, or professional meetings or conferences, subject to the limitations included in technology transfer agreements and such other limitations as may be required by the terms of this Contract. Nothing in this clause is intended to alter the obligations of the Parties to protect classified or unclassified controlled nuclear information as provided by law.

(d)       Nothing in the Section I clause entitled “Public Affairs” or the Section H clause(s) respecting “Lobbying Restriction (Energy and Water Act)” are intended to limit the rights of the Contractor or its employees to publicize and to accurately state the results of its scientific research.