Input needed: NSF seeks perspectives on the future of ocean observing
Zoe Krauss
Dear fiber sensing community,
The United States National Science Foundation (NSF) is requesting input on priorities, strategies and technologies for future NSF ocean observing systems to effectively support scientific and societal needs. Fiber sensing can play a big role here.
NSF recently issued a Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) that allows both individuals and groups to respond to a series of 9 questions. Informed individual responses are strongly encouraged. With 9 questions, the form is a bit daunting, but Individuals do not need to respond to ALL questions.
The deadline for all responses is September 30, 2026. Any and all responses are valuable.
Please consider also showing support by registering for and attending a virtual Ocean Observing Exchange, hosted by the OOIFB, to discuss the NSF DCL, review the prompts, and co-develop ideas/priorities to encourage and inform individual and organization-level responses. We will be hosting a fiber sensing and SMART cable-focused session this coming Wednesday:
Date/Time: Wednesday, September 16, 2026; 12 PM EDT, 9 AM PDT, 4 PM UTC, 1 hour
Facilitator(s): Zoe Krauss (University of Washington), Bruce Howe (University of Hawaii)
Topical focus: Seafloor fiber sensing and SMART cables
Registration LINK
Individual responses to the DCL can be submitted here: LINK
For additional information on the DCL and a full schedule of ocean exchanges, facilitators, and registration links, please visit: https://ooifb.org/meetings/ocean-observing-futures-a-dialogue-series-and-community-forum/. We will also send around the outcome of our discussion following the upcoming exchange.
Just a bit of your time can make a big difference in this instance.
Thanks in advance,
Zoe Krauss
Postdoctoral Scholar