National Academies Panel Meets at USM’s Roger F. Wicker Center for Ocean Enterprise to Discuss the Next Decade of Ocean Science
Thu, 02/29/2024 - 09:04am | By: Melissa Scallan
Members of the 2025-2035 Decadal Ocean Sciences Committee met recently at USM’s Roger F. Wicker Center for Ocean Enterprise in Gulfport. The scientists talked about priorities for ocean science and ideas for future research. (Photo courtesy of USM).
Scientists from across the country met recently at the University of Southern Mississippi’s (USM) Roger F. Wicker Center for Ocean Enterprise to share their priorities for ocean science and ideas for future research.
The sessions were held as part of the National Academies’ 2025-2035 Decadal Survey of Ocean Sciences committee meeting. This was the fourth meeting for the committee.
“Participation on this committee has been extremely rewarding,” said Dr. Leila Hamdan, who is a member and the associate vice president for research in USM Coastal Operations. “I am thankful to have the opportunity to hear the collective priorities for scientific research that can contribute to society.”
The 23-member expert committee includes ocean scientists and experts working in biological, chemical, physical and geological oceanography, policy, social science and engineering disciplines.
USM’s Vice President for Research, Dr. Kelly Lucas, welcomed the group at the start of the meeting.
“I am pleased USM was able to provide the committee with space to listen, learn and collaborate on this important work,” she said.
The committee’s work spans approximately 18 months, culminating in a report to the National Science Foundation’s Division of Ocean Sciences. The report will include strategies about investments in research, oceanographic infrastructure and development of the future ocean science workforce to advance understanding of the ocean’s role in the Earth system and the nation’s blue economy.
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, provide objective advice to inform policy, spark progress and innovation, and address challenging issues for the benefit of society. The full charge of the committee and committee member bios can be found here.