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IODP-MI Task Forces Print E-mail
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.
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bullet.gifManagement Forum
bullet.gifOperations Task Force (OTF)
bullet.gifOperations Review Task Force (ORTF)
bullet.gifEngineering Task Force (ETF)
bullet.gifExpedition Science Communication Task Force (ESC-TF)
bullet.gifCuratorial Task Force 
bullet.gifData Management Task Force
bullet.gifThe Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Task Force
bullet.gifOutreach Task Force
bullet.gifProject Scoping Groups/Project Management Teams
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The Management Forum will tackle issues that concern IODP as a whole. It will review and offer advice on policies, procedures, and current and future activities. The Management Forum, while representing the views of the various separate entities that comprise IODP, will also be able to express a joint perspective on the program.

Membership
The Management Forum includes key personnel from IODP-MI, the Heads of the Implementing Organizations, the Chairs of the Advisory Committees of the National Program Offices, the SPC Chair, and the SASEC Chair.

Current Members
Manik Talwani, Chair    IODP-MI
Jim Mori SPC
Steve Bohlen   USIO
Dan Evans ESO
Masaru Kono SASEC
Thomas Janecek   IODP-MI
Hans Christian Larsen  IODP-MI
Gilbert Camoin ESSAC
Takao Kato IODP-MI
Christina Ravelo USAC
Hodaka Kawahata  J-DESC
Asahiko Taira  CDEX

Meeting Frequency

One annual two-day meeting in the form of a “retreat.”      

Meeting Reports                             


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The IODP-MI Operations Task Force's (formerly known as OPCOM) primary function is to formulate the most logistically, fiscally effective operational plans to meet the objectives set forth in IODP's 10-year science plan, prioritized by the SPC. The scheduling strategy involves: (1) examining science plans for each proposal; (2) determining operational and environmental constraints; (3) developing a matrix that combines the SPC science plan with operational and environmental constraints and risk, operational days at sea, and transits; and (4) adding fiscal reality to viable options forwarded to the SPC.

Membership
OTF members comprise the IODP-MI Vice President of Science Operations, IODP-MI Vice President of Science Planning, 1-3 representatives from each Implementing Organization, the Chair of the Science Planning Committee plus 2 additional SPC members.

Current Members
Thomas Janecek, Chair  IODP-MI
Jack Baldauf  USIO
Jim Mori SPC
David Divins USIO
Dan Evans   ESO
Jun Fukutomi    CDEX
Shin’ichi Kuramoto   CDEX
Hans Christian Larsen  IODP-MI
Jim Mori  SPC
Mary Reagan   USIO
Gabe Fillipelli SPC
Jan Behrmann SPC

Meeting Frequency

The Task Force meets approximately 2-3 times/year. One primary (2 day) scheduling meeting occurs in June (following the spring SPC proposal rankings). Shorter (1/2 day) meetings generally are held in conjunction with the spring and fall SPC meetings or when required.

Meeting Reports

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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 Vice President of Science 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
Thomas Janecek, Chair  IODP-MI
Manik Talwani  IODP-MI
3-5 representatives from IO under review  ESO, CDEX. or USIO
1 representative from each IO not under review  ESO, CDEX, USIO
Co-Chief Scientists for expedition under review Science Community
3 scientists  Science Community
3 industry representatives Private Sector

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.

Meeting Reports

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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:

  • Determining high-level IODP engineering goals
  • Review of SAS advice and prioritization
  • Implementation of engineering initiatives
  • Evaluate engineering development proposals
  • Progress reviews of funded developments
  • Review IODP technology road map
  • Assist IODP-MI determine how best to procure services
  • Thematic meetings such as observatory technology, heave compensation, deep drilling and/or coring techniques
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.

Current Members
Greg Myers, Chair  IODP-MI
Earl Davis     Pacific Geoscience Centre
Brian Glass  NASA
Peter Looijen  Fugro
Tom Pettigrew     Stress Engineering
Bernhard Prevedel   International Continental Drilling Program
Alex Pyne   Antarctic Research Centre
Tom Williams  Maurer Technologies
TBD Japanese engineer(s)      
TBD liaisons from ESO, CDEX, and USIO  

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.

Meeting Reports

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The Curatorial Advisory Board represents a variety of scientific disciplines and has several main roles including:

  • Acting as an appeals board vested with the authority to make final decisions regarding sample distribution, if and when conflicts or differences of opinion arise among any combination of the sample requester, an IODP Curator at the repository of interest, or the Sample Allocation Committee (SAC)
  • Reviewing and approving requests to sample the permanent archive and requests for loans of core material
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
Hans Christian Larsen, Chair  IODP-MI
Thomas Janecek IODP-MI
Clive Neal   University of Notre Dame
Heinrich Villinger   University of Bremen
Masnobu Yamamoto  Hokkaido University

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).


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The 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
The Data Management Task Force is chaired by the IODP-MI Data Manager and is populated by the IODP-MI Publications Manager, IO liaisons, and community specialists within the field of digital library technology, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and geo-referenced data, Web services, data visualization and cyber-infra structure. The (DMTF) is composed of external experts in the following fields:

  • Central Web Portal for distributed databases
  • Metadata standard for geographic scientific data (ISO 19115)
  • Data integration, mining and access in a distributed environment
  • GIS, data visualization, mapping and web services
  • Scientific data exchange format and standard
  • IODP data users
Current Members
Jamus Collier , Chair   IODP-MI
Yoshiaki Aita   Utsunomiya University
Warner Brückmann  IFM-GEOMAR
Patrick Diver  Consultant
David Divins  USIO
Colin Graham  ESO
Jens Klump  GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam Data Centre
Yohta Kumaki  Geographical Survey Institute
Shigemi Matsuda   CDEX
Larry Mayer     University of New Hampshire
Reagan Moore   San Diego Supercomputer Center
Lola Olsen   Global Change Master Directory
Emanuel Soeding    IODP-MI
Dawn Wright    Oregon State University

Meeting Frequency

The Data Management Task Force works by e-mail and may meet 1-2 times per year.

Meeting Reports

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The 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 Meeting Reports.


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This 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 Education and Outreach Task Force is chaired by the IODP-MI Director of Communications. Members comprise outreach specialists from each of the IOs.

Members

Nancy Light, Chair     IODP-MI
Susan Boa   USIO
Jon Corsiglia    USIO
Jun Fukutomi  CDEX
Albert Gerdes   ESO
Alan Stevenson    ESO
Tadashi Yoshizawa    CDEX

Meeting Frequency.

The Task Force meets once per year, with its primary forms to produce an Integrated Annual Outreach Program Plan.

Meeting Reports

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The 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.

Members
Professor Jeff Alt  University  of Michigan
Professor Jan Backmann University of Stockholm
Comms. Program Assoc. Jon Corsiglia USIO
Senior Writer Cheryl L. Dybas  NSF
Manager Dan Evans  BGS, ESO 
Dr. Hugh C. Jenkyns University of Oxford, co-editor of GEOLOGY 
Deputy Director Ann Klaus  IODP TAMU, USIO 
Dr. Shin'ichi Kuramoto  CDEX, JAMSTEC 
Vice President Hans Christian Larsen  IODP-MI (chair)
Communications Director Nancy Light IODP-MI 
Pubs. Mgr. Emanuel Soeding IODP-MI
Dr. Yoshi Tatsumi    IFREE, JAMSTEC 
Program Associate Yuki Yoshioka IODP-MI (secretary)

Meeting Frequency
The Task Force’s business was conducted exclusively through e-mail until it concluded with a report and recommendations.



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Complex Drilling Projects (CDPs) utilize Project Scoping Groups (PSGs) to assess the state of readiness of the drilling plans, tool and engineering development, engineering site surveys, etc. The OTF determines the level of scoping needed for a CDP and designates a formal PSG. Each scoping group will have either the IODP-MI Vice President of Science Operations or the IODP-MI Engineering & Operations Manager as head. This group also will include one or two designated “Chief Project Scientists” and several project proponents to provide the scientific leadership necessary to plan aspects of the project. This PSG also has formal liaisons from the IOs and SAS and utilizes outside expertise (e.g., engineers) as needed. The PSG regularly reports to the OTF on the state of readiness of the CDP.

If after initial scoping the project is placed on the IODP operational schedule by the OTF, the PSG will then become a formal Project Management Team (PMT), which plans and coordinates the project through its multi-year operations. Each PMT will have a “core membership” of either the Vice President of Science Operations or the Engineering and Operations Manager as the chair, one or two designated “Chief Project Scientists”, CDP proponents, IO representatives (engineers, staff scientists), SAS representatives, E&O representation and outside engineers (as required). The PMT reports to the OTF on planning and implementation issues addressed by the team.

The OTF has established one PSG to date, the NanTroSEIZE Project Scoping Group. This group has now evolved into the NanTroSEIZE Project Management Team and is coordinating the joint NanTroSEIZE operations between CDEX and the USIO. Reports/actions items of this PSG/PMT are on the IODP website.

NanTroSEIZE Project Management Team Members
Thomas Janecek, Chair      IODP-MI
Gaku Kimura     University of Tokyo
Masa Kinoshita (Co-chief Project Scientist)  IFREE, JAMSTEC
Adam Klaus      USIO
Shin'ichi Kuramoto   CDEX
Hans Christian Larsen    IODP-MI
Greg Moore    CDEX
Harold Tobin (Co-Chief Project Scientist) University of Wisconsin
Mike Underwood   University of Missouri
IO technical representatives as required  
SAS representatives if applicable  

Meeting Frequency
3-4 meetings per year.

Meeting Reports

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