Report of the Board of Scientific Counselors ecological research program review

Original publisher: [Washington, D.C.] : United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, [2005] OCLC Number: (OCoLC)64177189 Subject: Ecology -- Government policy -- United States. Excerpt: ... IV. S C Q CIENTIFIC AND OMPETITIVE UALITY A. Charge Questions 2. Does the ERP have a logical and comprehensive design with clear goals, priorities, and schedules to track progress toward those goals? 3. Do the design and implementation of the ERP's structure facilitate attainment of outcomes through integration of research across the ERP? 4a. Do the research results address the key research questions? 4b. Is the rationale to address the questions clearly articulated? 4c. Does the ERP follow a long-term plan to address the logical sequence of the questions? 4d. Is progress to address the questions being made in a timely fashion? 5. What is the scientific quality of the ERP's research products? Does the ERP ensure high quality research through competitive, merit-based funding? If funds are not competitively awarded, what process does the ERP use to allocate funds? Does this process ensure that quality is maintained? 8. Will the ERP's completed and planned outputs lead to the intended outcomes that are protective of our ecological resources? B. Specifics for Program Elements ONG ERM OAL L-T G 1 By 2010, national policy makers will have the tools and technologies to develop scientifically defensible assessments of the state of our nation's ecosystems and the effectiveness of existing national programs and policies. Question 2: LTG 1 activities are organized in terms of three related, but distinctive, components: ( 1 ) statistically valid and scientifically defensible design frameworks, ( 2 ) a suite of reliable ecological indicators for different ecosystems, and ( 3 ) environmental monitoring. Goals for each component are clearly defined. The priorities of LTG 1 activities are clearly placed at the national level, which is appropriate beca...