Berkeley Lab Names Greg Bell as Director of New Scientific Networking Division

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) today announced that Gregory Bell has been named director of the Scientific Networking Division, and head of the U.S. Department of Energy's ESnet, or Energy Sciences Network. Bell, who has held both positions on an acting basis since November 2011, is the fourth person to lead ESnet since the organization was created in 1986.

“Greg’s keen understanding of data-driven science – and his clear vision for enhancing discovery through networking – make him an ideal candidate to lead our new Scientific Networking Division,” said Katherine Yelick, Associate Laboratory Director for Computing Sciences. 

The Scientific Networking Division was created in November 2011, with ESnet at its programmatic core, in recognition of the strong connection between advanced networking capabilities and data-intensive science.

“In addition to managing the world’s fastest science network, Greg will have the opportunity to build a broader program in the science of information networks, with the aim of creating innovations that benefit scientific collaborations around the world," said Berkeley Lab Director Paul Alivisatos. "We are delighted that Greg has agreed to serve in this critical role."

Funded by the Department of Energy (DOE) and managed by Berkeley Lab, ESnet interconnects more than 40 DOE sites—including the entire national laboratory system, its supercomputing centers, and major experimental facilities.

“As a member of the ESnet Policy Board and a long-time participant in the creation and evolution of the Internet, I have had the opportunity to experience Greg Bell's proven leadership and enthusiasm,” said Vint Cerf, Chief Internet Evangelist for Google and member of the ESnet Policy Board. “He is a superb choice and I look forward to working with him.”

Bell joined Berkeley Lab in 2001, as a network engineer in the LBLnet Services Group. He eventually served as Chief Technology Architect for the Lab’s IT Division, reporting to the CIO, before joining ESnet as Chief Information Strategist in 2010.

Bell’s professional interests include advanced networking, collaborative tools, sustainability, high-performance computing, and security models for open science. He is founding chair of the Cyberinfrastructure Advisory Committee for the Deep Underground Science and Engineering Lab (DUSEL, now SURF), and co-founded DOE's grassroots Green IT Working Group. He has served as Berkeley Lab representative to multiple DOE and University of California task forces, and currently serves as a council member for the Open Science Grid.

“I’m deeply honored by the opportunity to lead ESnet and the Scientific Networking Division,” said Bell. “At Berkeley Lab, I have the double privilege of working with unparalleled staff and supporting extraordinary science. To me, this is an ideal job.”

Before joining Berkeley Lab, Bell worked in human rights, managing a non-profit agency for political refugees and serving as an analyst for Amnesty International. Bell earned a Ph.D. in English from UC Berkeley and an A.B. in English from Harvard College. He lives in Berkeley with his wife and two daughters.