National Research Council (NRC) Committee to Advise NSF Science Priorities for Antarctic and Southern Ocean Research

Dear Colleagues,

The National Research Council (NRC) Committee to Advise NSF Science Priorities for Antarctic and Southern Ocean Research is seeking your input.

This committee is charged to articulate a strategic vision for NSF's investments in Antarctic and Southern Ocean research-- anchored by community engagement and input, and building upon the broad vision of key scientific questions identified in the 2011 NRC report "Future Science Opportunities in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean", as well as other relevant efforts such as the SCAR Horizon Scan currently underway. The goal of this study is to develop consensus recommendations on priorities for compelling research that could feasibly be undertaken in the coming decade or so, and outline practical steps forward to implement this research. Our scope stretches across topics as diverse as geology and geophysics, terrestrial and aquatic biology, glaciology and ice core studies, ocean and atmospheric sciences, astrophysics and space weather, as well as cross-cutting areas such as education, public engagement, and data management.

As input for this study, the committee would like to draw widely on the expertise and experience of people across the Antarctic and Southern Ocean science communities. We are planning a series of outreach events to be held at various locations across the country, where you may have an opportunity to share your thoughts and ideas in person (dates and locations will be circulated once the plans for these events are further solidified). In addition, we’ve set up an online “Virtual Town Hall” at the link given below, where you are invited to submit your ideas in writing.

http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/1622544/Development-of-a-Strategic-Vision-and-Implementation-Plan-for-the-U-S-Antarctic-Program-at-the-National-Science-Foundation

This NRC study presents an important opportunity to help shape the future of Antarctic and Southern Ocean research, and we do hope you will choose to take advantage of this opportunity. The committee welcomes and values your ideas. The window for input will remain open for the next several months (until November 1, 2014), so you should have ample time to contribute.

Please feel free to share this email and the link with any of your colleagues who you think may be interested. Questions can be directed to Lauren Brown at the NRC: LBrown2 at nas.edu.

Thanks in advance for your input,
Robin Bell, Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University, Committee Co-Chair
Bob Weller, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Committee Co-Chair