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The Gulf Research Program Annual Report 2015 (2016)

Chapter: A Message from the Executive Director

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Suggested Citation:"A Message from the Executive Director." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2016. The Gulf Research Program Annual Report 2015. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/23643.
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A Message from the Executive Director

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In 2015, the Gulf Research Program (GRP) of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (the Academies) began implementing its strategic vision and many of the year’s accomplishments are GRP “firsts.” For example, we conducted our first funding competitions, awarding more than $6.5 million of research grants and fellowships to people and institutions in the Gulf region and around the nation (see our key accomplishments).

The GRP also developed four initiatives to characterize the program’s main areas of interest: (1) reducing risk in offshore oil and gas operations, (2) observation and monitoring for healthy ecosystems and coastal communities, (3) planning and action for healthy and resilient coastal communities, and (4) building capacity to address cross-boundary challenges. The initiatives and strategies for lasting benefit are designed to foster scientific insights and actions that benefit coastal communities and ecosystems and will shape the GRP’s portfolio of grants, fellowships, and activities.

The strategies for lasting benefit are

  • Emphasizing a long-term, cross-boundary perspective that takes advantage of the program’s 30-year duration and supports activities that cross geographical, disciplinary, and sectoral boundaries.
  • Supporting science to advance understanding of large, complex issues and challenges.
  • Ensuring the development and application of science to serve community needs.
  • Encouraging synthesis and integration of data and information already available.
  • Leveraging program funds through coordination and collaboration.
  • Investing in leadership development and capacity building to support people with the skills and abilities needed to solve complex problems and support innovation.

As the program matures, it will evolve into a national program that tackles complex challenges that arise where energy systems, people, and sensitive ecosystems coexist. We look forward to continued interactions with stakeholders from research, government, industry, and nonprofit communities as we work on behalf of the Academies to bring lasting benefits to the Gulf region and the nation.

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Suggested Citation:"A Message from the Executive Director." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2016. The Gulf Research Program Annual Report 2015. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/23643.
×

Image

Suggested Citation:"A Message from the Executive Director." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2016. The Gulf Research Program Annual Report 2015. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/23643.
×
Page 2
Suggested Citation:"A Message from the Executive Director." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2016. The Gulf Research Program Annual Report 2015. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/23643.
×
Page 3
Next: Key Accomplishments in 2015 »
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Each year, the Gulf Research Program produces an annual report to summarize how funds were used. These reports review accomplishments, highlight activities, and, over time, will assess metrics to determine how the program is progressing in accomplishing its goals. The 2015 annual report is the second report in this series.

The Gulf Research Program is an independent, science-based program founded in 2013. Through grants, fellowships, and other activities, it seeks to enhance oil system safety and the protection of human health and the environment in the Gulf of Mexico region and other areas along the U.S. outer continental shelf with offshore oil and gas operations.

This report captures key developments and successes in 2015, as the Gulf Research Program began to implement its strategic vision and conducted its first funding competitions, investing more than $6.5 million in institutions and people in the Gulf region and beyond. It also introduces four initiatives that characterize the program’s main areas of interest. These initiatives will guide the development of a portfolio of grants, fellowships, and other activities with cumulative and lasting impact.

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