The National Academies will organize a workshop on Earth system predictability research and development. Potential topics to be addressed include:

1. Impacts: What are science and applications needs for Earth system predictions and projections that could be addressed by this Earth system predictability research initiative? What are the socio-economic benefits that could result from this research initiative? Can we characterize some expected returns on an investment in Earth system predictability research? How would this Earth system predictability research initiative impact the national Earth system predictions and projections enterprise?

2. R&D Opportunities: What are the opportunities for key activities that could be most valuable, including transformative “big ideas” with regard to understanding and predicting the Earth system considering observations, process research, modeling, technology and infrastructure?

3. Coordination and Partnerships: How can Federal agencies best coordinate with each other as well as partner with the broad range of non-federal groups to leverage resources and accelerate progress?

4. Education and Workforce: How can we ensure the Nation has the workforce and next-generation scientists in the field, drawing from a diverse talent pool? How can we position the U.S. to be a global leader in this field?

Specific themes that may emerge from the mid-April Earth system predictability roundtable, will be considered as ways to focus the workshop planning.