FROM THE TOS PRESIDENT
Deborah Bronk

Hello TOS members! This month I make a plea.

Don’t ignore them all.

Are you flooded with survey requests? I don’t know what it is like in all other countries but in the US, if you make a dinner reservation, you barely finish the meal before you get a text survey asking you to rate your experience. The electric company wants to know how to serve you better. Buy something online and they want to hear your thoughts on every item you purchased moments after its delivered. I generally ignore them.

There are some surveys, however, that I make a plea for you to not ignore but instead take the time to respond to thoughtfully—those that seek input from the marine science community. Science and society are evolving at a rapid pace and we need an engaged community willing to share their thoughts to navigate this time of change.

For example, the US National Academies are conducting a Decadal Survey of Marine Science to get input on priorities for research topics and infrastructure at the National Science Foundation. Take the time to craft a comment to the committee—it will have to be considered and responded to as part of their rigorous and methodical process. They have extended the deadline for comments to September 15.

Our science organizations will be better able to navigate the challenges ahead if our community cares enough to make their voices heard.

Please reach out to me at [email protected] if you have any concerns or ideas of how TOS can better serve its members and the work they do.

Please reach out to me at [email protected] if you have any concerns or ideas of how TOS can better serve its members and the work they do.