2011-26281. U.S. Antarctic Program Blue Ribbon Panel Review; 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: November 3, 2011, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

November 4, 2011, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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

Type of Meeting: Open.

For Further Information Contact: 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: First meeting of the Panel to present the Panel with an overview of opportunities and challenges for Antarctic research and research support; discussion of the National Research Council's report on “Future Science Opportunities in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean”; planning for additional meetings.

Dated: November 6, 2011.

Susanne Bolton,

Committee Management Officer.