At the end of this week, federal agencies will have submitted their plans to the White House outlining implementation of the Administration’s executive order on “Gold Standard Science.” The order and accompanying guidance memo have been met with rightful outrage and grave concern across our Earth and space sciences community. I am heartened to see … Read more
In April, AGU’s Board approved minor updates to the position statement entitled, “The capability to monitor the comprehensive nuclear-test-ban treaty (CTBT) should be expanded, completed and sustained,” which was first adopted in 1999 in collaboration with the Seismological Society of America (SSA). The international monitoring system has matured considerably since 1999, with more than 326 … Read more
As a former sea-going scientist, I was reminded during the recent AGU Board meeting (2-4 October) about the distinct roles played by a ship’s crew and the scientific party. The scientific party, much like the AGU Council, is responsible for thinking about how best to advance scientific research. They consider what types of collaborations, instrumentation, … Read more
Frustration is mounting over nationalist policies in the U.S. and other countries, which are obstructing the free exchange of ideas and effective collaboration among scientists. These policies have multiple impacts. The most immediate and visible human tragedies are borne by refugees and immigrants. At the same time, several academics have lost their jobs or their … Read more
AGU’s Centennial is just around the corner, officially kicking off at the 2018 Fall Meeting in Washington, D. C., and running through the 2019 Fall Meeting in San Francisco, Calif. I look forward to a celebration marked by a variety of elements that will highlight the talents and drive of both our scientific sections and … Read more
On 14 April, 2018, for the second time in as many years, the March for Science is occurring in communities across the globe. AGU is proud to again join as a formal sponsor of this worldwide event in support of science, and to offer direct support to AGU groups participating in local marches. Over the … Read more
As 2017 began with a new administration in Washington, D.C., there was evidence that we could expect to face serious challenges to science policy and the scientific enterprise; some have come to pass, and others have not. Throughout this tumultuous year, AGU has played a significant role both in addressing these far-reaching issues and supporting … Read more
Volume 1 of the Congressionally mandated 4th U.S. National Climate Assessment (NCA) was released earlier this month. Led by scientists working at NOAA, the Climate Science Special Report (CSSR) is the work of many of the nation’s most accomplished climate scientists. Used as a core blueprint used to inform the public and craft public policy … Read more
“We need to tell that story,” said my Senator, after I told him how NOAA’s Sea Grant Program budget is only $73 million/yr, even though it helps hundreds of communities to prepare for hurricanes and storm surges and manage coastlines1. I suspected that he would be a strong supporter of science, but I didn’t realize … Read more
Editor’s Note: This week, we’ll be sharing reflections on the March for Science from AGU leaders. This is part two of three. Click here for part one and part three. As I stepped onto the train to Washington, D.C., I immediately sensed a palpable science vibe throughout the train. In the café car, the tables were … Read more