Field research has focused on the Maya lowlands and the study of the transition from Classic to Postclassic Maya civilization. Finally, please prepare a summary of the answers to the above and other questions. Financial report provided to the Smithsonian Board of Regents (May 2001) by the Office of the Secretary.
Science for the 21st Century at the Smithsonian Institution (May 2001) by the Office of the Under Secretary for Science. New Strategic Direction for Smithsonian Science in the 21st Century: A White Paper on the Process (May 8, 2001) by Office of the Secretary. Contains strategic plans for each of the 7 NMNH scientific departments (Anthropology, Entomology, Invertebrate Zoology, Mineral Sciences, Paleobiology, Vertebrate Zoology) prepared by department chairs.
This report is both a synthesis and an extension of three independent NMNH science reviews. NMNH's recommendations for future scientific directions were addressed to the Office of the Undersecretary for Science by October 2. The final report of the Science Committee will be transmitted to Secretary Small and the Board of Regents in December 2002.
It is the consensus of the Commission that the quality of scientific leadership is the critical factor in the future success of Smithsonian science. Awareness of the larger Smithsonian context and knowledge, and experience working in the Washington science policy arena. Structural aspects of the National Zoological Park Conservation Research Center and the Smithsonian Center for Materials Research and Education remain under study.
The Science Committee Executive Committee looks forward to the opportunity to discuss its progress at the Regents Meeting in June. The museum's Senate of Scientists report shows that members of the current staff are in favor of such activities. The Public Affairs part of the directorship deserves special attention.
We believe that one reason for this lack of prominence is the fragmentary nature of the museum's vision. For some years, the museum has e.g. did not have a member of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) on its staff;. We have also been aware of the Secretary's call for greater focus in Smithsonian science.
Does the research resonate with the external review's strategic recommendations and the broader global scientific agenda?
EARTH AND OTHER PLANETARY SYSTEMS
Increase understanding of the geological, biological, and cultural patterns and processes that shape our world from the beginning of the solar system to the future. Using these criteria, we identified nine cross-cutting themes within NMNH's three primary research areas. These themes make the most of the museum's breadth and potential for integrative science, while giving our research enterprise new direction and focus.
Within each of these nine research themes, we have also developed a number of sub-themes (listed in the question form) that give greater emphasis to our research vision. Within each subtopic, sample research questions are presented to provide even greater clarity to these research directions. The following is a schematic representation of the areas, themes, sub-themes and related issues identified as future areas of growth.
Geological Processes that Shape Planetary Systems
Lithosphere, Climate, and Ocean Dynamics and their Interactions with Biological Systems
How minerals near or on Earth's surface affect Earth's climate and biota. What role did interactions between minerals and microbes play in the origin and existence of life on Earth and the possibility of life on other planets.
Tectonic and Volcanic Processes and their Impact on the Biosphere and Atmosphere
How have extraterrestrial influences, climate change, oxygen-poor oceans and other environmental disturbances affected Earth's biota.
Evolutionary Processes that Shape the Diversity of Life
Ecological Dynamics and Conservation Biology
HUMAN DIMENSIONS OF DIVERSITY AND CHANGE A. Human Interaction with the Natural Environment
What role did changing environmental conditions play in the domestication of plants and animals and what was the subsequent impact of agriculture on the world's ecosystems and human society. How language and other cultural traditions serve to acquire and transmit environmental knowledge. How people use their understanding of the natural world to develop strategies for using natural resources and how increasing globalization affects this process.
Human Biology and Cultural Process
Human Communities in a Changing World
Specifically, OMB expressed concern about the classification of the Smithsonian's allocation of federal research funds as. The apparent absence of competition at Smithsonian science centers raises concerns about the lack of quality assurance in Smithsonian research. Following the release of the budget document, the Smithsonian commissioned reviews by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) and the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) to address issues raised by OMB.
The complaint to the committee called for a review of the scientific research centers reporting to the Smithsonian's Under Secretary for Science - the National Museum of Natural History, the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, the National Zoological Park, the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, the Smithsonian Center for materials research and education, and the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center. The committee was not asked to review funding for SI research centers that report to the Smithsonian Under Secretary for U.S. Museums and National Programs. In conducting its review, the committee has established a framework of criteria to be applied in its evaluation of the Smithsonian research centers in carrying out its duties.
The following findings and conclusions arise from the committee's consideration of the implications of reallocating federal funds currently allocated to the Smithsonian to a competing peer-reviewed program at NSF. Withdrawal of federal support on this scale would make it very difficult to maintain the centers' staff and programs and would very likely result in the collapse of much of the Smithsonian's scientific research program. Loss of core assets could also result in the closure of the Smithsonian Center for Materials Research and Education.
The Smithsonian Center for Materials Research and Education occupies a highly specialized research niche that is of unique and great value to museums in the Smithsonian Institution and to the museum community as a whole. The committee believes that the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, and the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center should continue to receive federally awarded research funding. Regular in-depth reviews by external advisory committees are critical to maintaining the health, vitality, and scientific excellence of the Smithsonian Institution.
The Smithsonian participates in the annual federal budget process to receive funding through the federal appropriations process. During the preparation of the FY 2003 budget, several questions arose regarding the funding of scientific research at the Smithsonian. Still, the committee found evidence that the Smithsonian is at a disadvantage when it applies for NSF funding.
Both the panel and the committee noted some weaknesses in communication between Smithsonian central management and the science centers. The NAPA panel found that scientific staff are seriously concerned that science is no longer recognized as a critical component of the Smithsonian agenda.