The National Science Foundation (NSF) today announced a partnership with the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) to increase funding in the earth sciences over the next five years.
The agreement is the first NSF-energy industry collaboration of its kind, opening doors to new possibilities that bring together contributions and expertise from both organizations.
"This is the first NSF-energy industry funding program for academia-centered basic research in the geosciences," says Tim Killeen, NSF assistant director for Geosciences, who signed the agreement along with AAPG Foundation Executive Director Rick Fritz.
"This innovative effort takes NSF in new partnership directions," says Killeen, "and represents a major step forward for funding the earth sciences."
"Advances in basic geoscience research are the basis for new solutions to societal needs, ranging from natural resources to understanding Earth's history," says Fritz. "The AAPG Foundation is committed to these scientific objectives, and is pleased to partner with NSF to move toward this goal."
NSF and the AAPG Foundation will expand collaborative support for basic research in the earth sciences, which will contribute to:
- better hazard prediction and mitigation;
- understanding the geologic setting of natural resources, such as groundwater, minerals and energy;
- knowledge of deep-time climates and their relevance to modern climate issues;
- restoration of rivers, deltas, coasts and farmlands affected by human activities;
- understanding the four-billion-year history of life on Earth;
- increased science capabilities and competence of U. S. students and universities;
- responding to needs and challenges in the earth sciences identified by government, industry and academia.
The agreement covers the period July 1, 2010, to July 1, 2015, at which time it may be renewed.
The AAPG Foundation's primary goal is to provide funding for educational, charitable and scientific objectives that directly and indirectly benefit the geologic profession and the general public.