OPPORTUNITIES TO ADVANCE NEXT GENERATION EARTH SYSTEMS SCIENCE: A REPORT FROM THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES OF SCIENCES, ENGINEERING, AND MEDICINE

This presentation will discuss the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine report on Advancing a Systems Approach to Studying the Earth: A Strategy for the National Science Foundation (expected release date - late summer 2021). It will highlight aspects of the report that relate to diversity, intersectionality, and inclusivity, as well as a vision for transformative change in the study of Earth systems. There will also be discussion of lowering institutional and cultural barriers to engagement across traditional scientific disciplines as well as advancing convergence research and transdisciplinary efforts that foster greater understanding of the interdependencies among the Earth systems components.

The committee members were asked to present a compelling vision for a systems approach to studying the Earth and to identify facilities, infrastructure, coordinating mechanisms, computing, and workforce development needed to support that vision. All major components of the Earth system were considered (including the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, cryosphere, biosphere, and the individuals, institutions, and technologies that respond to and influence these dynamics), as well as their interactions and feedbacks through time. The committee was also tasked to provide advice on how NSF can support the research community in meeting the vision and identifying overarching capabilities needed to support a systems approach to studying the Earth, with input from virtual workshops and lessons learned from previous and current approaches to integrated research at NSF.