THE GULF RESEARCH PROGRAM
Annual Report 2017
DEDICATION
We dedicate this annual report to the memory of Chris Elfring, our dear friend, valued colleague and mentor, and highly respected leader, who passed away unexpectedly in 2018. Chris was the founding director of the Gulf Research Program. Starting in 2013, she led the launch of the program, building a staff and guiding it and an advisory board through the stages of initial program planning and implementation, and then managing the program as it grew into a multi-faceted science program designed to have a lasting impact for the Gulf of Mexico region and the nation. The Gulf Research Program will be forever indebted to her for her leadership, staff mentoring, and dedication to excellence as it strives to honor her legacy. We will miss her.
The National Academy of Sciences was established in 1863 by an Act of Congress, signed by President Lincoln, as a private, nongovernmental institution to advise the nation on issues related to science and technology. Members are elected by their peers for outstanding contributions to research. Dr. Marcia McNutt is president.
The National Academy of Engineering was established in 1964 under the charter of the National Academy of Sciences to bring the practices of engineering to advising the nation. Members are elected by their peers for extraordinary contributions to engineering. Dr. C. D. Mote, Jr., is president.
The National Academy of Medicine (formerly the Institute of Medicine) was established in 1970 under the charter of the National Academy of Sciences to advise the nation on medical and health issues. Members are elected by their peers for distinguished contributions to medicine and health. Dr. Victor J. Dzau is president.
The three academies work together as the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to provide independent, objective analysis and advice to the nation and conduct other activities to solve complex problems and inform public policy decisions. The National Academies also encourage education and research, recognize outstanding contributions to knowledge, and increase public understanding in matters of science, engineering, and medicine.
Learn more about the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine at www.nationalacademies.org.