The following metrics are used in evaluating the performance of NIF as a user facility:
As part of the process of evaluation of NIF as a user facility, NNSA performs periodic external reviews of NIF’s operation as a user facility in a similar way that reviews are performed by the DOE Office of Science user facilities, usually on a three-year cycle.
- Compliance with environment, safety, and health regulations.
- Facility availability for experiments, calculated using data collected during facility operations.
- Experimental effectiveness as measured by completion of user campaigns and feedback from lead investigators.
- User feedback regarding the proposal solicitation and review processes and experiment execution.
- Degree of recognition obtained, including papers published, talks given, and number of meetings and workshops with NIF and NIF attendees, including those in both technical and leadership roles and degree of student and postdoctoral involvement.
