Antarctic Integrated

1
Antarctic Integrated System Science Workshop

• Introductory remarks
• by
• Dr. Scott Borg
• Director, Antarctic Science Division

June 13-15, 2007
2
AISS History

• 1993 Antarctic Program Directors consider
  formalizing integrated science approach
• Office Advisory Committee recommendations
• Internal recognition of funding structure limits
  on types of proposals submitted
• IPY activity affords opportunity
• Jan 2007 Program director hired
• Jun 2007 AISS Workshop Community input phase I
• Think Tank phone calls from Feb 2007 to present
• How to best tap broader community and most
  effectively use 2.5 days

3
What AISS is not

• Replacement for core programs
• Impetus to weaken disciplinary education
• Top down driven science without peer review
• Restricted to narrowly defined climate issues
• Yet another time/overhead tax
• Business as usual

4
What AISS is

• Aligned with international, national and grass
  roots science planning trends
• Cooperative with discipline programs
• Seeking active interagency involvement from
  inception
• IPY projects will seed program
• Recommendations from workshop will be used to
  develop program description and grow budget

5
Integrated System ScienceNSF07-549

• Frequently, innovative research questions cross
  the disciplinary boundaries described above. This
  may occur in the context of smaller and more
  focused research proposals or with larger
  collaborative efforts that take a broader system
  view. Such proposals within the realm of
  Antarctic sciences are strongly encouraged. To
  help foster research of this nature, the
  Antarctic Sciences Division is currently in the
  process of establishing an Integrated and System
  Science Program.  It is intended that this
  program take shape with substantial community
  input over the coming year.  In the meanwhile,
  prospective investigators interested in
  interdisciplinary research themes, whether
  focused or system-oriented, are advised to
  contact the cognizant program director before
  submitting a proposal to discuss any questions
  about such a submission. For example, for large
  or complex projects, additional lead time may be
  needed for proper planning. The program director
  will coordinate the review process in
  collaboration with other program directors as
  appropriate.

6
Workshop Charge

• Identify important science issues best addressed
  by integrated and/or systems approach
• Keeping in mind
• Development of near and longer term goals
• Lessons learned from Arctic System Science
  Program
• Mechanisms to achieve goals
• Strategic position coming out of IPY FY09 NSF
  budget currently under development