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Notes from the President, number 6 (22 December 08)
Holiday Wishes and Good Financial News!
Colleagues,
As we approach the end of 2008, I wish everyone safe and relaxing holidays! The end of the western calendar year is a time to take stock of where we have been and where we are going. In just a few months, the official end of the IPY will be upon us (it is hard to believe as this seemed so far away when planning began several years ago!). It has been a momentous period for polar science and the legacy of the IPY will be an important facet of SCAR activities for many years to come. It is indeed an exciting time to be involved in international Antarctic science!
I wanted to bring 2008 to a close with a positive note. As we discussed in Moscow, SCAR finances were a matter of concern and we were faced with difficult decisions having to choose among a number of excellent initiatives, reduce science budgets, and wisely allocate SCAR's limited funds. While we will always have more demand than resources, I am pleased to report that a number of developments will relieve some of the financial pressures on the organization in 2009. As Colin's email alluded to, the British Pound has significantly devalued against the USD in 2008 greatly improving our currency exchange position which has been eroding for several years. Michael has also been working to decrease SCAR's banking expenses and this is near a resolution as well.
On the revenue side, several developments will increase income to SCAR and support important programs sponsored by SCAR. As some of these items are still being finalized I will only discuss them in general terms and details wil follow as negotiations are concluded.
- SCAR has been selected by a Foundation to administer a new, major Antarctic science and policy prize as an IPY legacy. The prize will recognize "rising stars" with a substantial monetary award to be used at the discretion of the awardees. The SCAR Secretariat will defray salary costs and collect a modest fee for administering the prize.
- A second Foundation has awarded major funds to SCAR MarBIN for its continuation. The continuation of this program was a major concern of SCAR. SCAR will receive a modest fee for administering the funds. Most importantly the future of SCAR MarBIN is now much more secure!
- CAML synthesis activities have been funded and a full extension application will be filed in 2009 to extend CAML activities to the end of 2010. SCAR will receive a modest fee for administering these funds.
While details are still being worked out, these 3 items will combine for between $20,000 and $40,000 USD per year in new revenue to SCAR. I also note that SCAR has been notified by India's National Committee that they will, for a second year, provide $5000 to the SCAR Fellowship Program above their annual membership fee (this action is greatly appreciated!). These developments combined with about a 30% devaluation of the British Pound versus the US Dollar has allowed us to revisit the financial strategy agreed at XXX SCAR (including the necessity of a membership fee increase in 2010). We will be carefully watching the situation and keep you informed.
Once again, have a great holiday and I look forward to working with you and for even more positive developments for SCAR in 2009!
Chuck K.
President of SCAR
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