Revitalizing our national labs for the great technological challenges that lie ahead As a strategic planner, I'm wary of the "Manhattan project" mindset. In general, I find it escapist at heart -- as in, "Big government, make this problem magically disappear!" But with all this talk of a huge government stimulus package, I find myself warming to the idea. Let me tell you why. Since 2005, I've advised Oak Ridge National Laboratory on long-range strategic issues, and one thing I've definitely noticed is the staff's pronounced aging. When the average age of your scientists begins to hover around 50 or higher, that's not a good sign for American research and development.