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Notes from the SCAR President, number 45 (15 February 2012)
Exciting Developments and Deadlines!
Colleagues,
As usual the New Year is off to a quick start with many exciting developments and deadlines approaching. First, I congratulate our Russian colleagues on the successful entry into Subglacial Lake Vostok. The news reverberated around the globe signifying this first ever entry into a subglacial lake taking the beginning steps toward what promises to be a new era in Antarctic science and research. This event reminds us once again of the keen interest in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean and that the exploration and research conducted in the southern polar regions does indeed have global ramifications. I can only imagine the new insights gained and the frontiers explored as these studies progress over the next decade or more. Our Russian Antarctic and Arctic Research Institute friends have accomplished a truly amazing technological and scientific feat!
Another important development is the final publication of the "Southern Ocean Observing System: Initial Science and implementation Strategy". This is a significant milestone and with the establishment of a SOOS program office in Hobart, Tasmania, this program is poised to become a reality. I congratulate the leaders of this effort, in particular Stephen Rintoul (Australia) who has shown exceptional leadership in shepherding this document to completion. Co-editors include: Mike Sparrow, Michael P. Meredith, Victoria Wadley, Kevin Speer, Eileen Hofmann, Colin Summerhayes, Ed Urban and Richard Bellerby.
The long awaited SCAR Development Council has been formed and its deliberations are being conducted via email. In this initial stage, I will Chair the Council as President. I thank our many colleagues that have agreed to serve on the Council (see the Membership List). In these difficult economic times, the active and coordinated pursuit of external funds to support SCAR has never been more important. I expect to be able to report substantial progress on this front at the Delegates meeting in July 2012.
In March, Mike and I will be co-Chairing a meeting of an Action Group in Cambridge to review the many meetings that SCAR hosts or is involved in, to develop a ten-year rolling strategic plan for meetings. The goal is two-fold, First, to schedule all SCAR meetings in a manner that makes optimal use of time, creates the greatest synergies, and efficiently utilizes resources (particularly the biennial meetings). Second, avoid conflicts in scheduling and duplication with our many partners. We are all acutely aware of what seems to be an ever increasing number of meetings and this activity is recognition that these meetings need to be managed to best benefit. A coordinated approach to meetings would greatly improve their impact and participation. An initial timetable of workshops and conferences relating to the Antarctic and the Southern Ocean has been drawn up. We welcome input from you regarding any major meetings or workshops you are aware of. Please send your input to Renuka Badhe at rb302@cam.ac.uk by Monday 27th February.
Planning for the 2012 SCAR biennial meetings is continuing. Keynote speakers have been confirmed and I am pleased to announce that the National Center for Antarctic and Ocean Research of India (NCAOR, Dr. Rasik Ravindra) is providing travel support to Professor Dr. Sanjay Chaturvedi as one of the keynote presenters. I am excited that Dr. Chaturvedi has accepted our invitation. Dr. Chaturvedi is Professor of Political Science at Punjab University in Chandigarh, India. He is a member of several editorial boards and committees and delegations representing the Indian Ministry of Earth Sciences. He has written dozens of books, articles, and journal publications on the geopolitics of climate change, energy security, and the political geography of the Polar Regions.
Abstract submissions are proceeding well (nearly 1000 are expected by February 15) and the deadline has been extended until March 1, 2012 to allow time for those involved in field work to submit abstracts.
In addition to the items above, there are several other important deadlines coming soon:
- SCAR Medals – An important SCAR activity is recognition of excellence in Antarctic and Southern Ocean science and outstanding service to the international Antarctic community, both of which are critical to advancing SCAR's vision and mission. Peer recognition rewards and highlights those who exemplify the best of the Antarctic community and serve as models for the next generation of scientists and researchers. Nominations for the SCAR Medals to be awarded at the XXXII SCAR meeting in Portland, USA, in July 2012 are now open. The Antarctic science community are invited to nominate candidates for: "The SCAR Medal for Excellence in Antarctic Research", and "The SCAR Medal for International Scientific Coordination". Please send completed nomination forms to Rosemary Nash (rn283@cam.ac.uk) by 15 March 2012.
- The Martha T. Muse Prize - The "Martha T. Muse Prize for Science and Policy in Antarctica" is a US$ 100,000 unrestricted award presented to an individual in the fields of Antarctic science or policy who has demonstrated potential for sustained and significant contributions that will enhance the understanding and/or preservation of Antarctica. Nominations are due by April 12, 2012 via the Muse Prize website.
- SCAR Antarctic Science Fellowships 2012-13 and COMNAP Antarctic Research Fellowships 2012-13 – the two leading Antarctic organizations announce opportunities for early career researchers. The Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) and the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (COMNAP) are working together to attract talented researchers, scientists, engineers and other professionals to strengthen international capacity and cooperation in fields such as climate, biodiversity and astrophysics research. The deadline for applications is 13 June 2012. For full information on how to apply, please visit our Fellowships page.
All for now. Please contact me at any time if you have any questions or concerns.
Wishing you well!
Chuck K.,
President of SCAR
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