Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research Who We Are The NOAA Research network consists of 12 internal research laboratories, extramural research at 30 Sea Grant university and research programs, six undersea research centers, a research grants program through the Office of Global Programs and 13 cooperative institutes with academia. NOAA's Office of Ocean Exploration and a program dedicated to Arctic research are also housed within NOAA Research. Through NOAA and its academic partners, thousands of scientists, engineers, technicians and graduate students participate in furthering the knowledge of natural phenomena that affect the lives of us all. NOAA's research serves diverse customers. The average citizen benefits through earlier warnings of threatening weather, healthier coasts and fisheries, or a broader understanding of environmental processes. The private sector uses NOAA data to make business decisions and also employs technology developed and transferred by NOAA scientists. Federal agencies, state governments, and local authorities rely on NOAA Research expertise for the sound scientific basis of crucial policy decisions related to environmental protection and restoration strategies. NOAA researchers are recognized as international leaders on environmental issues. With their international counterparts, NOAA scientists contribute to the understanding and assessment of complex issues such as ozone depletion and climate variability. What We Do NOAA's long-term commitment to the highest quality research includes employing in-house and extramural talent to engage in six major areas:
Research plans and products are developed in partnership with academia and other federal agencies, and are peer-reviewed and widely distributed. A high premium is placed on external collaboration both domestically and internationally. In addition, personnel management practices of hiring, promotion and awards are based on demonstrable capability through internal and external peer assessment. These actions — peer review, collaboration and partnerships — ensure that NOAA's research is of the highest quality and remains focused on critical issues. How the Nation
and the World Benefit
NOAA is a world leader in environmental science today and is well positioned and organized to provide the sound scientific research policymakers will always need. For more information contact NOAA Research public affairs officers, Jana Goldman, (301)734-1123; Keli Tarp, (405) 325-6033; Daniel Parry, (301) 734-1092; Anatta (303) 497-6288, or visit our Web site. http://www.research.noaa.gov
Updated August 2007 |