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NSF Invites Media to Report on U.S.-Sponsored Antarctic Research (2001-2002 Season)Application Deadline: Friday, July 6, 2001 The National Science Foundation (NSF), which runs the U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP), is accepting written requests from professional journalists to visit Antarctica during the 2001-2002 research season (early November through mid-January). NSF annually selects a very small group of journalists, representing diverse audiences, to make individual visits to one or more of the three U.S. Antarctic research stations -- McMurdo, Amundsen-Scott South Pole, and Palmer -- to report on NSF-sponsored scientific research. Applicants must submit no more than two typed pages -- no e-mails, please -- detailing specifically what they plan to cover while in Antarctica. NSF public affairs officers can help applicants to craft a proposed reporting plan. Competition is intense for a very limited number of slots and spoace on aircraft is severely constrained. Applicants must be aware that logistical limitations make it practically impossible to modify their reporting plans once journalists are in Antarctica. A key selection criterion is USAP's ability to provide the logistical support needed to carry out a specific reporting plan. Reporters should be aware that unusually bad weather during the 2000-2001 research season, which affected the construction schedule of the new South Pole Station, coupled with the need to give scientists and construction cargo priority on a limited number of flights, may prevent any media visits to the South Pole this season. A selection committee of USAP science and logistics personnel and media officers from NSF's Office of Legislative and Public Affairs (OLPA) reviews all proposals and selects finalists. 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. Applicants should focus on visiting a very limited number of projects because transportation is highly dependent on weather and delays are common. The time reporters may spend on the continent must be tightly coupled to their reporting. Proposals from print, television, and radio journalists as well as from online news operations are welcome. U.S. mass media that serve primarily language-minority audiences also are encouraged to apply. NSF's Office of Polar Programs has a separate program to support artists and writers in Antarctica whose primary form of expression is not journalistic. For information see: http://www.nsf.gov/od/opp/aawr.htm, or contact: Guy Guthridge, (703) 292-8033 / gguthrid@nsf.gov Application: Focused applications with thorough reporting plans that indicate solid working knowledge of the U.S. Antarctic Program and its science goals stand the best chance of selection. Feature film proposals and general reporting about the Antarctic, travel, or logistics are not given priority. U.S. media receive preference. Expenses: Reporters or their employers pay for round-trip transportation to -- and accommodation in -- Christchurch, New Zealand (if travelling to McMurdo or South Pole Stations) or Punta Arenas, Chile (if travelling to Palmer Station). 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: Finalists must pass a comprehensive physical exam conducted at their own expense by their personal physicians and subject to screening by the U.S. Antarctic Program. Certain medical conditions may disqualify a candidate from visiting Antarctica, 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,
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