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Dear all,
Welcome to the inaugural OPP newsletter! We are delighted to make good on a communication mode suggested by the OPP Advisory Committee (OPP-AC) and it comes at an excellent time as OPP embarks on a number of changes.
The situation remains challenging for the polar research community as the world begins to emerge from the pandemic but there is a lot of cause for optimism. NSF was just named among the top 5 mid-sized agencies to work in government and our budget outlook is a healthy one. OPP contributions to the NSF mission remain critical. As we endure record high temperatures around the planet, OPP climate change research has never been more relevant and well-aligned with the Administration and NSF priorities.
Our press to improve inclusivity in the polar sciences also enjoys strong support at all levels. We are very much looking forward to the recommendations within the coming year from the OPP AC ad hoc Sub-committee for Diversity and Inclusion being co-Chaired by Dr. Linda Hayden and Dr. Gretchen Hoffman. In other OPP AC news, Dr. Tom Weingartner will be transitioning the Chair role to Dr. Meredith Nettles as of September 1, 2021. We thank Tom for his highly productive leadership and dedication and look forward to Meredith taking the baton. Please refer to the OPP AC web page to learn more, including the current members who you can contact with your concerns.
Although impacted by COVID-19, there is progress on infrastructure and facilities improvements. Plans are advancing for resuming modernization of McMurdo Station and we recently received the Director’s approval to move ahead with the Antarctic Research Vessel design. Both the Palmer Pier and Ross Island Earth Station construction are planned to proceed in the coming season.
This newsletter will be issued at least quarterly to help keep you updated on funding opportunities, staffing changes and other significant developments. After nearly a decade, I will be stepping aside from the OPP Director role to take an appointment with the Office of Science & Technology Cooperation at the Department of State. It has truly been my privilege to serve the polar community with the wonderful NSF staff these many years. I have the pleasure of passing the baton to Dr. Roberta Marinelli on August 1, 2021, knowing that the polar research enterprise is in good hands. May you and your loved ones stay healthy and safe!
Sincerely,
Dr. Kelly K. Falkner
Outgoing Director, OPP
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Dear all,
After being away from NSF and OPP for over a decade, I am looking forward to coming back to an agency known for its inspiring mission, enabling attitude, and efficient workforce. It is truly an honor to be selected for this position! I am eager to work with the OPP AC and other stakeholders to understand current challenges and create new opportunities on the frontiers of science; to provide leadership in NSF’s quest to create a more diverse community of researchers; and to improve our reach and effectiveness in STEM education.
You likely have read much about the proposed new NSF directorate, one that I expect has many cross-cutting opportunities with Polar Science. Like you, I look forward to learning more about how OPP can be an effective and purposeful partner and welcome your ideas on avenues of innovation and collaboration.
As I take the helm in a few weeks, rest assured that I am committed to remaining both accessible and accountable to the research community we serve, and I am grateful to Kelly for her capable and insightful leadership of OPP, particularly during the last few challenging years. You can expect to hear from me again soon.
All the best,
Dr. Roberta Marinelli
Incoming Director, OPP
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The world is currently on track to exceed three degrees Celsius of global warming, and new NSF funded research led by researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst shows that such a scenario would drastically accelerate the pace of sea-level rise by 2100.
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A new NSF funded study using satellites and computer models, as well as field measurements, has shown a decrease in the reflectivity of the Greenland Ice Sheet. However, it is still unknown whether this decline is due to increased impurities in the snow, larger snow grain size, or both.
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Recent work has been published by scientists from the University of Maine, giving insight into the seasonal and overall changes in sea ice in the Southern Hemisphere. Using ice core samples from the South Pole, researchers looked at the ice's chemistry, and particularly sea salt concentrations.
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According to a new NSF funded paper from California Polytechnic State University, Weddell seal pups may be one of the only types of seals to learn to swim from their mothers.
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Have an NSF-supported research highlight to share? Contact us.
Opinions, findings or recommendations of NSF awardees or their institutions do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
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OPP sections
Antarctic Infrastructure and Logistics (AIL)
AILs mission is to provide the operational and logistical platform necessary for the U.S. to conduct world-class science in Antarctica and maintain its active and influential presence on the continent.
Antarctic Sciences (ANT)
ANT supports cutting-edge research across all scientific fields that improves understanding of the interactions between the Antarctic region and global systems; expands fundamental knowledge of Antarctic systems and processes; and uses the unique characteristics of Antarctica as a science observing platform. ANT supports non-fieldwork-based analysis and modeling as well as Antarctic fieldwork for research that must be performed, or is best performed, in Antarctica.
Arctic Sciences (ARC)
ARC supports fundamental research at the forefront of understanding the Arctic, including its human and natural components and its global linkages. The section also works to develop and encourage good Arctic stewardship through education, training, dialogue, and planning. In addition to its scientific programs, ARC also includes a Research Support & Logistics program that improves the efficiency and safety of our research community.
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Front Office Integration Team (FIT)
FIT supports the innovative scientific research, engineering, and education taking place in and about the polar regions. FIT provides administrative, policy, and communications support to the entire polar program, and ensures that research and related activities in the regions are environmentally sound
Safety and Occupational Health (SOH)
SOH facilitates a culture of safety throughout the Polar regions to enhance the success of science by protecting life and property. SOH partners with stakeholders and integrates an effective risk management system through policy development, process and project plan evaluations, incident review and investigations, site safety evaluations, and deployed medical system implementation.
Polar Programs Advisory Committee (AC)
The AC provides advice and recommendations to the NSF concerning polar research, education, infrastructure and logistics, and activities. Additionally, the AC Sub-Committee on Diversity and Inclusion has been tasked to identify, examine and recommend strategies to pursue enhanced diversity and inclusion in the polar sciences in both the near and long term.
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