ICSU visioning process research questions

15 August 2009 deadline for posting contributions at ICSU website

What are the most important research questions in Earth system research that needs answering in the next decade? Why?

The International Council for Science (ICSU) has launched an online consultation to gather questions that will help direct the future of Earth system research. ICSU invites the scientific community-natural and social scientists-as well as technology experts, decision-makers, and the general public, to contribute. The ICSU visioning process is now open for comments from 15 July to 15 August. After your webpage registration you may post research questions as well as give comments or grade other research questions. Registration and information are available at http://www.icsu-visioning.org/

The aim of this first step of the ICSU visioning process is designed to find answers by first collecting the broad spectrum of different views across disciplines and parts of the world and then focusing these down through a peer review process into a set of major international research priorities.

ICSU is collecting research questions that, if effectively addressed, would provide answers that are relevant to the needs of decision-makers concerned with global environmental change and human well-being. Ideally, these questions should yield results in a ~10-year timeframe.

ICSU is a non-governmental organization representing a global membership that includes both national scientific bodies (117 members) and international scientific unions (30 members). More information at http://www.icsu.org/index.php