Future of Field Stations and Marine Labs: A strategic planning effort

Supported by NSF, DBI-1126161 to Ian C. Billick (PI), Brian Kloeppel, Ivar G. Babb, James G. Sanders, Jo-Ann C. Leong.

Global GrossNational Product$18 trillion

Ecosystem Services$33 trillion

Costanza et al. 1999, Nature

Natural CapitalHawkens and Lovins

Edward Glaeser, Oct. 20, 2009, NY Times, Economix

How do we plan for the FSML’s of the future?

What do we invest in? Broadband, sensors, housing, research space, lab equipment, databases, long-term monitoring, experiments, etc.

Why is Planning Important?

• Limited funds;

• FSML’s embody a substantial investment;

• Inertia--- how do we match up slowing moving facilities with dynamic and innovative science

Strategic Planning

• Workshop– Where is research, education, and resource management headed?

• Survey– What is status of existing infrastructure?

• Final report– Recommendations about future investments, best practices

Structure- Steering Committee

OBFS: Ian Billick, Jan Hodder, Brian Kloeppel, Hilary Swain

NAML: Ivar Babb, Joanne Leong, Jim Sanders

Structure- Work Groups

Macrosystems- Jim Gosz (Idaho)Organismal and Population Biology- Cindy van

Dover (Duke)Molecular Biology and Genomics- Mitch SoginEnvironmental Change- Craig Williamson (Miami)Ecosystems- Lindsey Rusted (USFS)Education- Kathleen WatersResource Management- Peter Stine (USFS)

Structure: Staff Support

• Jessica Ruvinsky- Professional science writer• Apex Education- Survey• Sonda Donovan- Project Manager

What do we need to know?

How important are FSMLs;Opportunities for networking and

collaboration;Critical components of FSMLs;Current status;Where to invest;Best practices.

Scientific Trends• Gene regulation in natural environments

(FSML’s as bridges);

Processes happening on greater temporal and spatial scales (regional networking, climate change, bioinformatics);

Profusion in environmental sensors (bandwidth, bioinformatics);

Value of place-based research (model ecosystems, complex processes that require sustained research).

• Where are research, education, and resource management headed?

• What do we need to understand about existing infrastructure?

• What are the critical investments?

Talking Points for Discussions

• Unique value of FSML’s– Value Proposition• Real value, not PR exercise• When possible, integrate public benefit and

scientific merit• Develop logic• Identify data/assessment holes• Prioritize