NSF PA/M 01-45 - December 17, 2001
NSF Invites Media to Report on Antarctic GLOBEC
Research Cruise
Application Deadline: Friday, February 1, 2002
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 (703) 292-8070/pwest@nsf.gov
Amber Jones (703) 292-8070/aljones@nsf.gov
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