A new Science Advisory Structure (SAS) was developed in 2011 from many discussions and input from an advisory committee (2nd Triennium Review), previous SAS members, and IODP-MI during 2010. The new SAS panels and committees will begin on October 1, 2011 and will guide the scientific and technological aspects of the current IODP, ending in September 2013, as well as the new Program, from October 2013. The structure of the new SAS is illustrated in the accompanying diagram that indicates the interrelationships of the various SAS components. The main difference between the previous SAS and this new SAS is the more flat structure of the latter. This has only a single layer of science and technology assessment below the SAS authority that determines the actual implementation, assisted by an Operations Task Force
Scientific Advisory Structure Committees and Panels starting from October 2011
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Science Implementation and Policy Committee (SIPCOM)
The Science Implementation and Policy Committee (SIPCOM) is the
executive committee of SAS. It reports to the PGB and is tasked with
delivering both annual and projected long-range science operations
plans, assessing overall program success in meeting its scientific
objectives, and approving program scientific policies as requested by
the Program Governing Board.
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Proposal Evaluation Panel (PEP)
The Proposal Evaluation Panel (PEP) reports to the Science Implementation and Policy Committee (SIPCOM), and is responsible for evaluation of all proposals in the context of the themes and initiatives of the Science Plan. PEP shall be organized in four sub-panels in accord with the four main themes of the Science Plan. PEP is responsible for selection of the best and most relevant proposals for forwarding to the OTF and SIPCOM for development of annual and long-range schedules. PEP also advises SIPCOM on any shortcomings of the proposal pool with respect to themes and initiatives of the Science Plan and makes suggestions for stimulating proposal pressure in those areas. The Site Characterization Panel (SCP) will meet in conjunction with PEP and select SCP members will provide direct input to the proposal evaluations in the PEP sub-panels as needed.
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Environmental Protection and Safety Panel (EPSP)
The Environmental Protection and Safety Panel (EPSP) shall provide independent advice to the OTF, CMO, and the implementing organizations (IOs) with regard to safety and environmental issues that may be associated with general and specific geologic circumstances of proposed drill sites. The EPSP shall also provide advice on appropriate drilling technologies for avoidance of drilling hazards and protecting the environment. The panel reports directly to the Operations Task Force (OTF) and the SIPCOM.
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Site Characterization Panel (SCP)
The Site Characterization Panel (SCP) advises the PEP and OTF. The panel shall advise drilling proponents on the degree of completeness of the drill site characterization data package, and on its assessment of whether or not the scientific objectives of each drill site can be effectively achieved on the basis of the proposal and data package.
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Scientific Technology Panel (STP)
The Scientific Technology Panel (STP) advises PEP, the IOs, and the CMO. The STP may communicate directly with IOs and other panels and with SIPCOM in matters directly involving data and publications policies or other policy issues. The panel shall contribute information and advice with regard to handling of IODP data and information, methods and techniques of all IODP measurements, sample handling, curation, laboratory design, downhole measurements and experiments, and observatories. The STP shall also advise PEP on the technological feasibility of selected proposals as requested by the PEP chair.
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Operations Task Force (OTF)
The OTF is a hybrid committee between SAS, the CMO and the IOs, and works as an integrated part of the SAS on expedition implementation. 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 and IWG+). 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.
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