Anthony de Souza

 The National Research Council is the principal operating arm of the National Academies and serves as an independent advisor on scientific and technical questions of national importance.

Established in 1988, the council’s Board on Earth Sciences and Resources (BESR) provides a focal point for National Research Council activities related to earth science policy. Through its committees, panels and working groups, it oversees a wide range of earth science issues, including research, the environment, natural hazards, resources, data and education. It also provides guidance on U.S. participation in international earth science programs.

The board:

• identifies the frontiers of basic and applied research in the earth sciences
• strengthens multidisciplinary programs and integrated approaches to research
• assesses mineral and energy resources
• investigates human interactions with Earth
• works to understand environmental change
• investigates access to and use of scientific and geospatial data and information
• evaluates breakthrough technologies for mitigating environmental problems
• enhances earth-science education

BESR also responds to federal requests for information on specific technical or policy issues. Through a combination of technical analysis, peer review and round-table discussions, the board provides accurate and timely input to support wise decision-making in government, academia and industry, and to sustain the health of the earth sciences.

Current BESR activities:

• Commercialization of Scientific Data: Examining the impact of policies that restrict access to scientific data, and identifying lessons learned from private sector involvement in collecting and distributing data.
• Conceptual Models of Flow and Transport in the Fractured Vadose Zone: Looking at building, testing and validating conceptual models of flow in the fractured unsaturated subsurface.
• Future Roles, Challenges and Opportunities for the USGS: A 2020 vision of the U.S. Geological Survey, including scientific, technical and societal issues (with the Commission on Geosciences, Environment and Resources).
• Partnerships in the National Spatial Data Infrastructure: Determining the role of past, present and future partnership in enhancing the National Spatial Data Infrastructure.
• Processing Technologies for the Mining Industries: Identifying the research and development needs for exploration, extraction and processing of coal, minerals and metals (with the National Materials Advisory Board).
• Research Opportunities in the Earth Sciences: Naming high-priority research areas, emphasizing the connections between traditional solid-earth science disciplines and other disciplines.
• Review of NASA’s Triana Mission: Reviewing the scientific goals and measurement plans of the mission (with the Space Studies Board and the Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate).
• The Science of Earthquakes: Assessing the current state of earthquake science and the potential for future breakthroughs.
• “Seeing” into Earth: Assessing current and future capabilities of non-invasively characterizing the near-surface environment.
• USGS Volcano Hazards Program: Determining how well this program meets scientific goals and how well research results are applied to hazard mitigation.

The board is developing a formal strategic planning system. This system will help BESR more effectively set priorities for earth science research, identify the role of the earth sciences in major policy issues; and assure the quality of the science content in earth science and education.

By making significant progress in these areas, the board will help to build and sustain the earth sciences and their communities in the 21st century.
 

De Souza is director of the Board on Earth Sciences and Resources of the National Academies National Research Council in Washington. He was also secretary general of the 27th International Geographical Union Congress, director of the National Geography Standards and editor of National Geographic Research & Exploration.

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