Accelerating NCAR’s leadership in enabling and conducting convergence for the Earth Systems Science (ESS) community

   

What is convergence science?

Convergence science is a means to solve complex research problems that arise from either pressing scientific or societal needs, through deep integration across diverse disciplines. 

A wildfire photo from USGS

About the Convergence Science Program

The NSF NCAR Directorate is developing a Convergence Science Program to accelerate NSF NCAR’s leadership role in enabling and conducting convergence for the Earth Systems Science (ESS) community.

Vision

For NSF NCAR to be a place where convergence science for the field of Earth system science is deeply understood, valued, and supported – scientifically, culturally, and financially. 

Goals of the Convergence Science Program

The NCAR Convergence Science Program’s three overarching goals:

Clarity

Develop a clear understanding of convergence science for NSF NCAR, including what it is, how it’s done, and what it yields.

Capacity

Develop a framework for robust, sustainable capacity – at multiple levels – to support, enable, and conduct convergence science.

Growth

Foster convergence research, particularly of science problems that are strategically important and high-risk.

Values of the Convergence Science Program

The NCAR Convergence Science Program’s efforts and approach are guided by a set of core values:

Appreciation, humility & purpose

All science approaches are important and must be appreciated for the respective purposes they serve. Convergence science isn’t superior to other approaches, it can address different kinds of science problems.

Rigor

NSF NCAR conducts world-class science, and this should extend to convergence science, which should be rigorous in the thoughtfulness and thoroughness of its purpose, design, and execution.

Open-mindedness, patience, & kindness

Supporting and conducting convergence science is challenging, non-linear, complex, and dynamic.

Egalitarianism

Leading or participating in convergence science activities isn’t just for some or certain people; it’s open to anyone who is interested. 

Join our Community of Practice Interest Network (CoP-IN)

We are creating a network of those interested in convergence science that is open to all UCAR and NSF NCAR staff and affiliates who wish to join and stay connected. To join the community of practice, send an email to csp_network+subscribe@ucar.edu. This will get you signed up for our mailing list and email alias we use to schedule events. 

Objectives 

  • To support any staff at NSF NCAR and UCAR who are conducting or are interested in convergence science by developing a cross-organization Interest Network.
  • We envision this network being a flexible way to (a) stay informed about convergence science at NSF NCAR and UCAR, (b) connect with potential collaborators, mentors, or mentees, and (c) learn from each other about convergence-related research efforts, experiences, and resources. 

How the CSP Team will support you 

  • Develop, foster, and sustain an enriching environment for scientists, engineers, and all other staff to come together across institutional and disciplinary boundaries in meaningful ways that increase the members’ capacity to learn about, collaborate on, and lead convergence science at NSF NCAR and UCAR. 
  • Learn from the experiences of the members to develop strategies for addressing challenges and enhancing opportunities for conducting convergence science at NSF NCAR.
  • Identify members’ ideas and needs for expanding Interest Network support, and expand efforts to meet these needs as resources allow.

Interest Network member roles

  • Attend meetings and events hosted by the Convergence Science Program team as you're able to
  • Provide feedback on the key efforts of the Convergence Science Program
  • Network and engage with fellow members of the network.

Questions?

convergence@ucar.edu