That's a pretty accurate description of the national labs complex. It is part of the military industrial complex and it offers financial security in exchange of

That's a pretty accurate description of the national labs complex. It is part of the military industrial complex and it offers financial security in exchange of personal and professional freedoms. It is very difficult for one to get their ideas funded unless they align with research directions that come from the top, which are rarely inspiring. I wish the legacy of the nuclear stewardship program could be separated into its own thing and fund the creation of a separate, open campus that can attract and recruit more talent to work on more innovative research directions. A place of greater transparency and openness. It's never gonna happen but I can dream!