For Scientists Science Planning Task Forces
IODP-MI Task Forces |
 |
 |
 |
|
IODP-MI is responsible for overseeing the implementation of a large number of tasks, including operational planning, engineering development, database management, education and outreach, publications, and repository oversight. IODP-MI utilizes task forces to assist in implementation where necessary. The purpose of task forces is to focus the advice obtained from SAS and provide concrete advice on policy, so that IODP-MI can proceed with implementation. All task forces in general, will be appointed on an ad hoc basis and usually will include SAS members, representatives from the IOs, and other experts. The members of the task forces will not be nominated by outside bodies but will be chosen by IODP-MI. Task forces will not be asked to write RFPs. The policy formulations by the task forces, however, will often guide IODP-MI personnel in writing RFPs. IODP-MI Task Forces
Past Organized Task Forces
Operations Task Force (OTF)The OTF is a hybrid committee between SAS, the CMO and the IOs. It works as an integrated part of the SAS on expedition implementation. In particular it assists SIPCOM in its work to determine annual and long-range drilling schedules. Its prime mission is to formulate the most efficient expedition schedules, including details of science operations, and the required budgets. It will address drilling schedules on an annual basis as well as on a multi-year, long-range planning basis. It conducts its work in this regard on the: (1) basis of the long-range and overall programmatic priorities determined by SIPCOM; (2) science assessment made by PEP; (3) site characterization readiness as reported by SCP; (4) technical feasibility as reported by the STP; and (5) within the fiscal and operational constraints provided by the funding agencies (NSF, on behalf of the lead agencies). Its recommendations for annual expedition schedules are reported to SIPCOM along with a safety evaluation by the EPSP for final selection (if multiple scenarios) and approval of the science plan to be included in the Annual Program Plan (APP). It also prepares background material on long-range drilling plans to be developed by SIPCOM on an annual basis. Membership The OTF is hosted by the CMO, but differs from other SAS entities by CMO and IO membership. Members from SAS are the PEP chair and its four thematic sub-chairs. Members from IOs are one senior manager from each IO appointed by the IO Executive Manager. The CMO chairs the OTF and has two members (including the chair) representing science planning and operations. Current Members Member from PEP:
Member from IOs:
Liaison from SIPCOM, LA and EMA:
IODP-MI:
Meeting Frequency
At least one physical meeting per year to prepare expedition schedule scenarios prior to SIPCOM review of science plans and draft APPs. Additional meetings may be held as convenient or required, or be conducted electronically. The OTF keeps minutes of all its activities. | BACK TO TOP |
Project Scoping Groups/Project Management TeamsThe OTF determines the level of scoping/planning-support/oversight needed for complex proposals and designates a formal Project Scoping Group (PSG). If after initial scoping the proposal/project is placed on the IODP operational schedule by the OTF, the PSG will then become a formal Project Management Team (PMT). Or when an IO considers a proposal at the OTF to be implemented in the operational schedule, the IO may recognize complexity of the proposal and feel necessity of PMT. In such case, the IO may request the OTF/IODP-MI to form PMT. The Project Management Team (PMT) plans and coordinates the project through its preparations, operations to the end of expedition. The PMT reports to the OTF on planning and implementation issues addressed by the team. Reports/actions items of this PSG/PMT are on the IODP website. Membership
Each PMT will have "core membership" of IODP-MI representative, project PI (proponent)/Co-chiefs and IO representatives. SAS representatives, E&O representation and outside engineers/expertise may become the member as requested. CDEX
ESO
Operations Review Task Force (ORTF)IODP-MI Operations Review Task Force conducts operational reviews of IODP Expeditions. The Task Force review is based upon confidential reports submitted by the IO and expedition co-chief scientists. These operational reviews focus on "lessons learned" and "how do we do things better in the future?" Areas of discussion include pre-expedition planning, expedition drilling operations, communications between scientists and operators, roles and responsibilities of scientists and operators, general procedures and policies (e.g., curation, communications), laboratory operations, etc. Each of these operational reviews results in recommendations that are compiled into a short summary report that is posted on the IODP website. Membership ORTF members comprises the IODP-MI Manager of Engineering and Operations (Chair), IODP-MI President, 3-5 representatives from the IO under review, 1 representative from each IO not under review, the Co-Chief Scientists for the expedition under review, 3 scientists with knowledge about IODP and the expedition under review, and 3 industry representatives. Current Membership
Meeting Frequency The ORTF convenes two-to-four months post-expedition. In the case of MSP operations, 2-4 months following the shore-based portion of the expedition. Subsurface Life Task Force (SLTF)IODP-MI Subsurface Life Task Force's primary function is to provide advices on the deep biosphere and subseafloor ocean related issues to IODP-MI. Especially the task force provides advices to IODP-MI on various policy/strategic issues in order to take advantage of the full range of IODP expedition possibilities to meet the multiple challenges of (1) describing deep subsurface microbial diversity, (2) accurately constraining microbial biomass and activity, and (3) mapping habitable space within the subseafloor ocean. Membership SLTF members comprise one STP liaison, nine scientists with knowledge about subsurface life research and one IODP-MI representative Current Members
Meeting Frequency The SLTF conducts all business via email. Members may meet on an ad hoc basis at meetings of opportunity. | BACK TO TOP |
Data Management Task ForceThe objective of the Data Management Task Force is to develop a user-friendly data portal to access and display data generated by the program. The Task Force is also charged with issuing RFPs related to the data portal, associated search engines or visualization tools, and existing or emerging technologies relevant to the program. Membership
Current Members
Meeting Frequency The Data Management Task Force works by e-mail and may meet 1-2 times per year. Publications Task Force (PTF)Active from 2004-2005, this task force was formed to make recommendations on IODP Publications, all of which were accepted by SPPOC--the Science Advisory Structure Executive Committee's predecessor--early in 2005. Outreach Task ForceThis Task Force has its roots in planning workshops that took place in February and May of 2004 with a group of advisors convened by the IODP-MI President to construct a fundamental framework of duties and responsibilities to be carried out in an integrated IODP Education and Outreach program. The Task Force has since evolved into a group with two-fold responsibilities: devising and implementing creative education and outreach strategies meant to raise IODP visibility while heightening understanding of scientific ocean drilling; and providing effective counsel to the IODP community in relation to program policies and practices that impact outreach efforts. Membership The Outreach Task Force is chaired by the IODP-MI Director of Communications. Members comprise outreach specialists from each of the IOs. Members
Meeting Frequency. The Task Force meets once per year, with its primary forms to produce an Integrated Annual Outreach Program Plan. | BACK TO TOP |
Engineering Task Force (ETF) [currently deactivated]The Engineering Task Force assists IODP-MI in its effort to bring appropriate technology to the program that is required to meet the science objectives detailed in the IODP Initial Science Plan. In particular, the ETF helps IODP-MI establish a long-term engineering vision for the program, evaluate and use advice provided by the IODP Science Advisory Structure to prioritize and implement engineering initiatives, assist IODP-MI identify potential vendors and additional engineering experts as required, and help IODP-MI review on-going engineering development projects. Major agenda topics and areas of interest include:
Membership ETF is chaired by the IODP-MI Engineering and Operations Manager and comprises 8 industry, academic, and government experts on instrument design, drilling techniques, and emerging technologies, as well as one liaison from each IO. Meeting Frequency The Engineering Task Force holds one to two meetings per year, primarily after the SAS Engineering Development Panel (EDP) prioritizes proposals at its summer meeting for the FY+2 Annual Program Plan. Expeditions Science Communication Task ForceThe IODP-MI Expedition Science Communication Task Force (ESC-TF) was a short-term task force created to address issues related to: (1) publication during the expedition moratorium period of IODP findings in high impact, fast-tracking journals imposing temporary publication embargos on the program; (2) how to maximize the distribution and impact of scientific discoveries on the science community as well as on the broader public; and (3) integration of the scientists in the news release process. The ESC-TF made recommendations to streamline the communications process during and following IODP expeditions. The Task Force's business was conducted exclusively through e-mail until it concluded with a report and recommendations. | BACK TO TOP | The Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC)Task ForceThe Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Taskforce established the framework for QA/QC procedures for measurements made on all IODP platforms and shore-based facilities and monitors the success of the implemented QA/QC framework. The Task Force was concluded; QA/QC procedures established can be found in the | BACK TO TOP |
Curatorial Advisory BoardThe Curatorial Advisory Board represents a variety of scientific disciplines and has several main roles including:
Membership
The Curatorial Advisory Board is chaired by the IODP-MI Vice President of Science Planning. Members also include the IODP-MI Vice President of Science Operations and three members of the scientific community. The latter serve overlapping four-year terms and are nominated by the Scientific Technology Panel.
Current Members
Meeting Frequency
The Curatorial Advisory Board conducts all business via email. Members may meet on an ad hoc basis at meetings of opportunity (e.g., SAS Panel meetings).
| BACK TO TOP |
|
For Scientists
- Calendar
- Core Repositories
- Expedition Map
- Glossary
- KML Data
- Links Page
- Mantle Drilling Preliminary Resources
- Site Survey Data Bank
- Travel Support
- Vessels/Platforms