The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine will appoint a small committee to assist in framing the programmatic and operational boundaries of the activities, investments, and research of the Gulf Data, Analytics, and Impact Unit (GDAI) of the Gulf Research Program (GRP) over the next five years.
This group will be comprised of 5-7 data and scientific experts, some with experience in the Gulf States or in one of the three elements of focus named in the 2013 agreement, to:
- Consider the GRP strategic plan (section 4.0) and ways it would need updating to align with a more focused programmatic and operational portfolio.
- Consider how the four strategic objectives in the strategic plan (advance science and understanding; build partnerships and engage networks; bridge knowledge to action; and monitor for progress and change) can be addressed within the scope of GDAI’s work.
- Present ideas for scoping and focusing the GRP’s data and analytics work over the next few years. Discussions can include specific operational activities; programmatic themes related to data, data science and analytics; ways to ensure integration with the rest of GRP’s programmatic work, or desired impact.
- Produce a document outlining their ideas that would be an internal document for GRP leadership consideration as the GDAI Board is appointed and the GDAI unit is designed, staffed, and evaluated.
This document would be used by the GRP leadership and Division Committee to set forth a mission and a plan for the data, analytical, and assessment work of the GULF Division. It would be used to frame the Statement of Task and ascertain the needed composition of what will come to be the Board on Gulf Data, Analytics, and Impact. It will also be used to inform job descriptions and recruitment efforts as the unit builds and develops its ranks of professional program staff leadership.