NOAA 2005-008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jana Goldman
1/27/05
 NOAA News Releases 2004
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NOAA SEEKS EXPERTS
TO REVIEW AGENCY’S ECOSYSTEM RESEARCH AND SCIENCE ENTERPRISE

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration seeks a team of experts to review its mix of scientific activities and organization of its ecosystem research and science. The review team will recommend steps to meet the needs of NOAA’s mandate to effectively assess and monitor large-scale ocean ecosystems. NOAA is an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

“Scientific research is a key to effective management of coastal and ocean resources,” said retired Navy Vice Admiral Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Ph.D., under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. “We want to make sure that our scientific activities are appropriate for our mission needs, including legislative and regulatory requirements.”

The review will be conducted under the guidance of the NOAA Science Advisory Board. The Science Advisory Board advises the NOAA administrator on long and short-term strategies for research, education, and the application of science pertaining to NOAA’s mission.

Because NOAA’s ecosystem research and science program is large and diverse, the board seeks seven members with a variety of backgrounds and experience for the review team. Among the qualifications being sought are national and international professional recognition; and knowledge of, and experience with, the organization and management of complex mission oriented scientific programs. NOAA employees or persons currently funded by NOAA are ineligible.

Among the questions the reviewers will address are:

  • Are the scientific activities conducted and/or sponsored by NOAA appropriate for its mission needs in the area of subject matter; distribution along the continuum from long-term research to products for immediate use; and the balance of internal and external (to NOAA) activities?
  • How should NOAA organize its ecosystem research and science enterprise in terms of its relationship to non-ecosystem research (weather, climate, mapping); distribution by NOAA line offices; NOAA’s Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution System structure; and using other organizational structures such as by scientific discipline, mission area or mandate, ecosystem or region, or internal/external?

Nominations should be submitted by February 17 to the NOAA Science Advisory Board with justifications that address the candidate’s background and qualifications. The nominations should indicate if the candidate has expressed a willingness to serve, if selected. Details, including the Federal Register notice that outlines the nominating process, on the nomination process, the list of qualifications, and the selection process are available on the Internet at: http://www.sab.noaa.gov/Doc/Documents.html

NOAA is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through research to better understand atmospheric and climate variability and to manage wisely our nation's coastal and marine resources.

On the Web:

NOAA: http://www.noaa.gov