Announcement of a New Decadal Survey for the Division of Ocean Sciences

Colleagues:

The National Science Foundation’s Division of Ocean Sciences (NSF-OCE) is excited to announce the launch of the 2025-2035 Decadal Survey of Ocean Sciences, which is being led by the Ocean Studies Board of the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM).  The Decadal Survey will provide community input to the NSF-OCE on forward-looking approaches to guide investments in research, infrastructure, and workforce development. The committee has been tasked with developing research and infrastructure recommendations that would advance understanding of the ocean's role in the Earth system and the sustainable blue economy. The committee has also been invited to recommend ways that NSF-OCE could further our capacity to respond nimbly as priorities change and new opportunities emerge over the coming 2025-2035 decade.

This new survey builds on the Decadal Survey of Ocean Sciences (DSOS) published by the National Research Council “Sea Change: Decadal Survey of Ocean Sciences 2015-2025”. This 2015 report identified eight ocean science research priorities and made recommendations to NSF on strategies to reach a balance of investments to achieve those research priorities. As the end of the decade (2015-2025) nears, we thank the authors and the community for this valuable report and note there have been changes in the portfolio of research and facilities supported by NSF-OCE. Our future investments in ships and observing platforms will benefit from similar careful consideration of the evolving needs of research facilities to support the main areas of ocean science funded by NSF.

The Ocean Studies Board is now soliciting nominations for members to serve on the new Decadal Survey committee.  This committee will consist of approximately 20 experts in ocean sciences and technology appointed by the National Academies. This committee will work closely with the larger oceanographic community to develop recommendations that will lead to compelling research and infrastructure needs to advance understanding of the ocean’s role in the Earth system and the sustainable blue economy. NSF-OCE recognizes that diverse perspectives are essential for defining diverse and innovative approaches, solutions, and insights to the challenges faced by our world. We strongly encourage the nomination of individuals who reflect the populations we serve. Nominations of candidates from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, women, and early- and mid-career professionals are strongly encouraged.

View the National Academies announcement and a link for nominations.

Sincerely,

Jim McManus
Division Director, OCE