FROM THE TOS PRESIDENT

Paula Bontempi

Targeting the Ocean Science and Technology Enterprise

Hello all. There are a few things happening internationally that impact science as we know it. Below are details and links to where you can find more information regarding these challenges and opportunities.

1. The Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI)

There was a recent announcement from the U.S. National Science Foundation regarding the descoping of the Ocean Observatories Initiative. All in-water ocean sensors and other key infrastructure will be removed over the coming year, as part of a “descope” process. OOI was built by the NSF approximately a decade ago and plays a foundational role in gathering key, open-access data relevant to economic sustainability and safety (fisheries, weather, volcanism, and earthquakes), and ocean-atmosphere phenomena such as El Niño and the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, that impact society broadly. Organizations such as the Research and Education Coalition for Ocean Sciences (RECOS) and AGU, via EOS, have issued statements regarding the long-term impact of this decision.

2. Key changes to the U.S. Science and Technology enterprise that affect international research have been proposed by the Office of Management and Budget

On May 29, 2026, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) published a proposed rule that would substantially rewrite 2 CFR Part 200—the “Uniform Guidance” governing nearly every U.S. federal grant, cooperative agreement, and pass-through award. The 400-plus-page proposal would apply government-wide, affecting universities, research institutions, nonprofits, scientific and professional societies, and individual award recipients.

The Oceanography Society (TOS) is an international organization—these proposed changes, if implemented on 1 October, would have a detrimental effect on international partnerships and collaborations among TOS members. TOS is working with dozens of scientific societies on a coordinated response to this potential change; however, comments from individuals will form a critical and powerful contribution to the public record. OMB is required to respond to all significant individual public comments before finalizing a proposed rule.

Public comments are due July 13, 2026. The proposed ruling changes have a proposed effective date of October 1, 2026 (start of FY 2027). Over 17,500 comments have been received so far, but every additional comment builds a stronger case.

TOS has posted more information on the TOS website, including how to comment and sample direct impacts to TOS, its members, and the U.S. science and technology enterprise.
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I know we all have moments of just wanting to do our day jobs, believe me. However, the situation requires as many researchers, engineers, and educators as possible to speak up and submit comments spelling out the impact this rule would have.

Questions? [email protected]

Thank you, all, for defending science.

Paula

Continuing on the strong showing from 2024, this September Ocean Optics XXVII will welcome more than 350 members of the ocean optics community, representing 29 countries. The conference will include over 50 oral, plenary, and award presentations, more than 270 poster presentations, and short courses and workshops attended by over 100 students and early career researchers These numbers reflect both the growth and increasing diversity of our community.

KEY DATES
REGISTRATION: Open
HOUSING: Book soon as rooms may sell out quickly
SHORT COURSES/WORKSHOPS: Registration open

UPCOMING CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

The U.S. National Science Foundation issued vacancy announcements on Monday, June 15, that may be of particular interest to mid-career scientists and engineers. The agency seeks to recruit scientists and engineers for the role of associate program director. These positions serve a crucial role in advancing the agency’s mission.

Each announcement will be open for a limited time, so early application is encouraged. Also, there is a cap on the number of applications that will be accepted. Once the cap has been reached, no additional applications will be accepted.