Change of name for the Division of Polar Programs
December 16, 2016
Effective immediately, the Division of Polar Programs will be designated as the Office of Polar Programs (OPP) within the Geosciences Directorate (GEO). Dr. Kelly K. Falkner, the Office Director of OPP, will also become a member of NSF's Senior Management Advisory Roundtable.
The rationale for the name changes is to recognize OPP’s national standing and unique role within NSF. I am both confident and proud the NSF has provided sound management to the Arctic and Antarctic Programs. The Foundation is unique among Federal agencies in its ability to conduct a well-balanced Antarctic research and operations activity that serves the nation’s best interests.
OPP will remain a unit of GEO and its budget will continue to be established, as in the past, through discussions involving senior leadership in OPP, GEO, and the Office of the Director. The budget for the Office of Polar Programs will be reflected separately from the GEO budget in future NSF Budgets. A separate external advisory committee will be established for OPP to provide direct community input and dedicated focus on Arctic and Antarctic issues in the Foundation.
France A. Córdova
Director
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