The Gulf Research Program proposes to convene three information gathering workshops to identify opportunities in three focus areas: (a) environmental monitoring, (b) education and training, and (c) human health in the Gulf region. Each workshop is intended to be an in-depth discussion with selected stakeholders where participants will explore (per area) what activities are currently being done, what plans exist, and what short- and long-term opportunities might suit the NAS-NAE-IOM-NRC Gulf Research Program. The workshops are not intended to be series of presentations but rather will be forums to discuss perceived needs and potential opportunities. In general, the workshops will provide opportunities to:

1. Discuss the purpose of workshop, context, and definition of terms;
2. Discuss the perceived gaps between what is being done (in the workshop focus area) or is planned, perceived needs, and opportunities that might be addressed by the Gulf Research Program, especially in areas that might benefit most from the long time horizon.

Individually authored workshop summaries of the presentations and discussions at the workshops will be prepared by a designated rapporteur in accordance with institutional policies and procedures.
The DWH oil spill produced an ecological disaster with wide ranging and often unanticipated human health effects, ranging from illnesses related to physical and chemical exposures to psychological effects stemming from prolonged disruption of social communities and local economies. This workshop will bring together researchers and practitioners from the disciplines of population health, environmental health, and social science, as well as other relevant experts, to identify regional needs for improving population health, with an emphasis on issues related to environmental public health; disaster preparedness, response, and recovery; and community resilience.