It is a NURP priority to continue our support of deep submersible science, the National Deep Submergence Facility, and other Navy deep submergence assets and I apologize for not being present to deliver this message. However, as some of you are aware, NURP is undergoing reinvention and a critical part of that process is happening this week. While the reinvention underway will be transparent to most scientists who participate in the program, the changes are nonetheless significant, particularly in the way resources will be allocated in the future. Through its peer review process, NURP has always sought to support the highest quality science, but has lacked the mechanisms to ensure that NOAA's research needs are factored into the selection of research projects. Changes in the organizational structure and internal procedures are being developed to integrate better NURP's research priorities with NOAA's research and management needs while building upon interagency cooperation to achieve national benefit.
Key to the reinvention is the addition of a NURP National Advisory Council with its working arm, the National Review Panel. Through these bodies recommendations regarding resource allocations will be made. While not fully in place at the present time, portions of the reinvented program have already been implemented, and the first meeting of the National Review Panel will take place on the 19th of December. We believe these changes will strengthen NURP's position in the undersea research community by ensuring an open and competitive process designed to facilitate research that supports NOAA, National, Regional and International needs.
NOAA's views on current items have been expressed during recent meetings with ONR and NSF and I am confident Dolly and Sujata will include them in their discussions at this meeting.
Best regards to all and
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year