Call for Nominations: National Academies Committee Reviewing Progress on Microgravity Decadal Survey
Dear Colleague,
The National Academies is seeking your assistance in identifying scientific and engineering experts to serve on a National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine study that will review NASA’s implementation of decadal survey recommendations for life and physical sciences research in reduced gravity.
The study committee will review the progress, challenges, and opportunities in addressing the strategies, goals, and priorities outlined in the 2011 decadal survey report, Recapturing a Future for Space Exploration, Life and Physical Sciences Research for a New Era. The scope of the decadal study spanned plant and microbial biology, animal and human physiology, and basic and applied physical sciences, in the context of (1) understanding the role of gravity in living and physical systems in order to develop capabilities required for space exploration, and (2) using the space environment as a tool of science to advance knowledge.
The National Academies seeks to form a committee that includes individuals who have broad discipline expertise on the effects of gravity on biological and physical systems. Examples of disciplines reviewed in the 2011 decadal include fluid dynamics, materials science, combustion and fire safety, animal and human physiology, developmental biology, plant biology, behavioral science and radiation effects. In addition, candidates with an understanding of how fundamental physical and biological processes can affect the operations of exploration technology systems are sought. Affected technology systems might include spacecraft power and propulsion systems, regenerative life support systems, in situ resource utilization, and power and energy storage systems.
Suggestions are sought for qualified individuals in all sectors of the scientific and technical community. Familiarity with NASA research programs and the decadal survey is highly desirable but not essential, and members with broad expertise that crosses discipline are especially desirable. Service on the study committee is open to scientists and other experts working for a government agency or other sponsors of this project if (1) they have relevant scientific and technical expertise needed to accomplish the committee’s task, and (2) their service will not appear to compromise the independence and objectivity of the committee’s work. The NRC strives to appoint diverse committees and panels, and we welcome suggestions that include women and minorities.
Recommendations should be sent to DWilliams@nas.edu. Along with your recommended names, it would be helpful if you could indicate the area of expertise of the nominee, reasons for recommending, the institutional/company affiliation, and (if known) either the phone or email contact information.
Please feel free to share this request with other colleagues.
