2012-286. U.S. Antarctic Program Blue Ribbon Panel; Notice of Meeting

In accordance with Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92-463, as amended), the National Science Foundation announces the following meeting:

Name: U.S. Antarctic Program Blue Ribbon Panel Review, #76826.

Date/Time: January 24, 2012, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., January 25, 2012, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Place: National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 1295, Arlington, VA 22230.

Type of Meeting: Open.

Contact Person: Sue LaFratta, Office of Polar Programs (OPP). National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22230. [phone].

Minutes: May be obtained from the contact person listed above.

Purpose of Meeting: The Panel will conduct an independent review of the current U.S. Antarctic Program to ensure the nation is pursuing the best twenty-year trajectory for conducting science and diplomacy in Antarctica—one that is environmentally sound, safe, innovative, affordable, sustainable, and consistent with the Antarctic Treaty.

Agenda: Present the Panel with additional programmatic information related to opportunities and challenges for Antarctic research and research support; discussion of other Agency requirements for research and support in Antarctica; planning for additional meetings.

Dated: January 5, 2012.

Susanne Bolton,

Committee Management Officer.