The National Science Foundation (NSF), which runs the U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP), is accepting written requests from professional journalists to take part in the Southern Ocean Global Ocean Ecosystems Dynamics (SO GLOBEC) research cruise, which begins in early April 2002.
Only one journalist will be selected for the cruise, which will be at sea for roughly 45 days. U.S. media receive preference in selection.
The cruise is part of the wider U.S. GLOBEC program, which is focused on understanding the response of marine life to climate change. For more information about the 2001 SO GLOBEC cruise, see http://www.nsf.gov/od/lpa/news/press/01/pr0130.htm on the NSF Web site and the SO GLOBEC site at Old Dominion University at http://www.ccpo.odu.edu/Research/globec_menu.html
Application: Applicants must submit no more than two typed pages -- no e-mails, please -- detailing specifically why they wish to cover this cruise.
A selection committee of Antarctic program science and logistics personnel and media officers from NSF's Office of Legislative and Public Affairs (OLPA) will review all proposals and select the finalist.
The committee looks for proposals that indicate an understanding of the nature and challenges of NSF's scientific enterprise in Antarctica and the desire to communicate that understanding to the public.
The journalist selected for this cruise will be expected to take an active role in shipboard duties associated with the collection of hydrographic (e.g. temperature and salinity) measurements and to assist scientists as required.
Proposals from print, television, and radio journalists as well as from on-line news operations are welcome. U.S. mass media that serve primarily language-minority audiences are also encouraged to apply.
Expenses: Reporters or their employers pay for round-trip transportation to -- and accommodation in -- Punta Arenas, Chile. Reporters must visit NSF headquarters in Arlington, Va., at their own expense, for pre-trip planning. NSF furnishes coldweather clothing solely for use in the field as well as housing, transportation and food in Antarctica, at no cost.
Medical: The finalists must pass comprehensive physical and dental examinations conducted at their own expense by their personal physicians and dentists and subject to screening by the U.S. Antarctic Program. Certain medical conditions may disqualify a candidate from participating, even if selected as a media visitor.
How To Apply: Contact NSF (by phone or by e-mail) as soon as possible to express interest and to obtain background materials. Freelancers must supply evidence of a firm commitment to publish or air their work on their prospective employer's letterhead.
Send the letter and any supporting materials (such as a limited number of clips or videotaped segments) to:
National Science Foundation
Office of Legislative and Public Affairs
4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1245
Arlington, VA 22230
Attn: Peter West or Amber Jones
For more information contact: Peter West or Amber Jones 703-292-8070, or aljones@nsf.gov