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Notes from the SCAR President, number 44 (16 December 2011)
Update and Holiday Greetings!
Colleagues,
A final update to end 2011 and a wish that everyone have restful and enjoyable holidays! After the first of the year SCAR enters a busy time when preparations for the biennial meetings and ATCM XXXV begin to accelerate!
2012 will be an important year for SCAR as the transition to a new portfolio of Scientific Research Programs occurs, an increase in membership fees in 2013 is discussed, and several major elections occur including selection of the next SCAR President and other leadership positions. These are critical decisions that will set the course for SCAR for the next decade or two.
Plans for the biennial meetings in Portland are progressing (for the latest details go to the SCAR 2012 website). The online OSC abstract submission process has opened, most OSC science session Chairs have been agreed and short descriptions of sessions will be posted soon, the SCAR OSC Facebook page has 1000+ members (if you haven't already, join today for timely updates!), and a unique cultural program is under development. Keynote speakers have been invited (most have accepted) and three mini-symposia on high interest and timely issues are being organized. A first time inclusion and emphasis on SCAR's scientific advisory role is evident throughout the program. We have been working closely with COMNAP to make these truly joint meetings and the opening plenary presentations will be open to the public "free of charge".
The lead proponents of new Scientific Research Programs will meet in January 2012 in Modena, Italy to develop cross-linkages and finalize proposals. Currently as many as five (5) new SRPs may be proposed (summaries can be found at on the Programme Planning page). It will be a challenge to efficiently manage external reviews, comment by the community and the SSGs, Delegates' reviews, presentations, and final approval of proposed SRPs. The intent is to ensure that the Delegates have a complete package of information for each proposed SRP well in advance of the Delegates Meeting to allow for informed decision-making. Proposals will be presented in plenary at the Delegates meeting to allow all (Delegates and Alternates) to participate in the final approval process. How many new SRPs and the level of support that can be provided will be dependent on the outcome of the discussions on a membership fee increase in 2013 (also to be considered in plenary early in the Delegates Meeting to allow the Finance Committee time to develop 2013/2014 budgets for approval). We have adopted a new procedure of convening the Finance Committee two (2) months before the biennial meetings to consider budget requests that are also due two (2) months in advance.
ATCM XXXV will be in Hobart, Tasmania from June 11-20, 2012 (note the reduced 8-day duration). Selection of a presenter for the SCAR Science Lecture will be concluded soon and a series of papers for the CEP are under development. SCAR is moderating an informal CEP discussion group on reducing the risk of inadvertent non-native species introductions associated with fresh fruit and vegetable importation to Antarctica and will submit a revised Working Paper. An 'Antarctica and Climate Change' update is being developed. Several other topics are under discussion including comments on a U.S. ASPA for Blood Falls (Taylor Glacier), SCAR products of use to the CEP, a report on the South African conservation workshop and next steps, an update on marine acoustic impacts in the Southern Ocean, and others (e.g. plastic pollution in the Southern Ocean).
As you can see 2012 is shaping up to be an exciting time! I also wanted to draw your attention to the recent activity report by the Secretariat and an update of the list of pending actions. Your Executive Committee is provided with these quarterly reports and jointly agree on priorities for the coming months. While many of you have only limited visibility of the work of the Secretariat, I think you will find these documents informative about how busy and expansive the work load is for the Secretariat and the Executive Committee. These reports give you a snapshot of just how vibrant and engaged SCAR has become in recent years and how essential the Secretariat is to maintaining a year-round SCAR presence.
In closing, Tony Rocha-Campos has notified me that he will be relinquishing his position as the Brazilian SCAR Delegate. As many of you know, Tony has been a faithful supporter of SCAR during more than 27 years of continuous service (including a 4-year term as President and 14 years on the Executive Committee). On a personal note, I found Tony's perspective and sage advice indispensable as we worked our way through the re-invention of SCAR and the many associated issues. Tony will be missed and I am sure everyone wishes him well (please send Tony a thank you note!)!
So once again, enjoy the holidays and rest up as next year will be busier than ever! Your participation and support will be essential for moving SCAR to even greater heights and accomplishments during 2012!
Chuck K.,
President of SCAR
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