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Notes from the SCAR President, number 24 (24 June 2010)
SCAR Strategic Plan 2011-2016 - Excellence in Science
Colleagues,
With the last Presidential Note, I initiated discussions about SCAR's next Strategic Plan (Note #23 was mislabeled #22). This dialogue and request for input is continued with this and a series of following Notes as we approach our meetings in August in Buenos Aries.
The third section of the Strategic Plan addresses what I believe to be the most important aspect of SCAR – excellence in science. On many occasions I have expressed the view that SCAR at its essence is a scientific organization and all other aspects of its mission flow from SCAR's science. As such, the longest section in the draft Strategic Plan is "Excellence in Science". As stated in the plan, SCAR encourages the highest quality science based on excellence in all aspects of Antarctic research. SCAR ensures that its portfolio of scientific activities addresses compelling and emerging frontiers in Antarctic science that advance our understanding of the planet. SCAR initiates, develops, and co‐ordinates high quality international scientific research in and from the Antarctic region and on the role of Antarctica in the Earth system. Two strategic goals are articulated: first, champion the highest quality, cutting‐edge, state-of‐the‐art Antarctic science with a special emphasis on the society‐relevant aspects of that science and secondly, serve as an international leader in all aspects of Antarctic science. The Strategic Plan includes an assessment of scientific directions in the life, geo- and physical sciences and emerging frontiers based on wide consultation to guide future decision making and allocation of resources.
Since becoming President, I have been called on several times to discuss future directions in Antarctic science and have realized that while SCAR is intimately involved in setting future directions in Antarctic science, there is no regular process for assessing and identifying emerging scientific topics and future directions. A charge to SCAR since I assumed office is to think strategically at all levels! To realize its vision and mission, SCAR depends on access to and knowledge of the highest quality Antarctic science. To ensure excellence in all facets of SCAR's scientific portfolio, it is essential that SCAR's leadership possesses a sound and continually evolving vision of frontiers in Antarctic science and research. The International Polar Year provided a good snapshot of scientific projects and programs that make up Antarctic science and I have relied on the information at the IPY Program Office generated by the community as part of the process of proposing IPY projects. A challenge before us is how we maintain an adequate understanding of emerging frontiers when Antarctic science includes such a wide range of disciplines and interests. To this end the next Strategic Plan proposes that SCAR create a process that assesses frontiers in Antarctic science and identifies the grand scientific challenges facing our community. A renewed emphasis on communicating scientific knowledge is also proposed to increase the impact and dissemination of the outcomes of Antarctic research to the global audience, both scientific and lay.
As you review this portion of the Strategic Plan, I ask that you consider the following questions:
- Does this section adequately describe SCAR's scientific mission given that it is a core value of the organization?
- Do the Earth System and Emerging Frontiers sections capture the essence of where Antarctic science is going in the next five to ten years?
- Is there equal and fair treatment of the diverse scientific interests that make up Antarctic science? Is the description accurate and complete?
- Are there any evolving frontiers, emerging issues, and/or grand challenges that have been overlooked?
- Do you concur with creating an assessment of frontiers process as described?
- Are there other mechanisms or other processes that might be engaged to achieve the goals of this aspect of SCAR's mission?
Any comments or suggestions on this section, or the plan overall, are welcomed and needed. For convenience, I once again attach a copy of the full Draft plan to encourage review as a single document. If you choose to comment in the document please enable track changes.
Brief updates on a few other issues. The Open Science Conference registration is now open, all abstract submitters have been notified of acceptance, and the final science program is being assembled. I fully realize there have been confusion and delays regarding arrangements for the meeting and I apologize for any inconvenience or confusion this has caused. Everyone is working very hard to make sure the meetings are a great success. As I mentioned, the Oslo Conference was a success and I congratulate Norway on doing a great job in hosting such a major polar event. I had the opportunity to meet with Prince Albert of Monaco again (he announced their application to become a SCAR Associate Member) and the Crown Prince of Norway – both are polar enthusiasts! The Executive Committee of SCAR and IASC met in Oslo and have agreed to address the many IPY Legacy issues as a Joint Executive while continuing to explore scientific bases for cooperation (this will be a topic of discussion in August).
All for now, as always please feel to contact about any and all issues.
Chuck K.
President of SCAR
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