Neutrinos and Beyond: New Windows on Nature (2003)
Chapter: Appendix A: Formation of the Committee
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20502
March 29, 2002
Dr. Bruce Alberts
President
National Academy of Sciences
2101 Constitution Avenue, N.W. Room 215 Washington, DC 20418
Dear Dr. Alberts:
As indicated in the President’s FY 2003 Budget Request for NSF under the Major Research Equipment and Facilities Construction Account, the Office of Science and Technology Policy requests that the National Research Council (NRC) review the scientific merit of IceCube, and other proposed US, neutrino collectors in the context of current and planned neutrino research capabilities throughout the world. The report’s findings and recommendations relative to IceCube would inform a decision whether to initiate its construction in FY 2004. In addition, I request that this review assess the merits of neutrino detectors associated with deep underground research laboratories and large volume detectors, like IceCube. Specifically, the NRC should address the unique capabilities of each class of new experiments and any possible scientific redundancy between these two types of facilities. The review should also include:
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The identification of the major science problems that could be addressed with 1-km3 class neutrino observatories.
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The identification of the major science problems that could be addressed with a deep underground science laboratory neutrino detector.
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An assessment of the scientific importance of these problems and the extent to which they can be addressed with existing, soon to be completed, or planned facilities around the world.
I am requesting that such a review be earned out under the sponsorship of NSF and completed by September 1, 2002.
THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES
Advisers to the Nation on Science, Engineering, and Medicine
National Academy of Sciences
National Academy of Engineering
Institute of Medicine
National Research Council
April 8, 2002
The Honorable John H.Marburger, III
Director,
Office of Science and Technology Policy
Executive Office of the President
Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Room 424 Washington, DC 20502
Dear Jack:
I am writing in response to your letter of March 29 requesting a review of proposed U.S. neutrino collectors and the nature and importance of the science problems that such facilities could address.
I have asked our Board on Physics and Astronomy to form a committee under the National Research Council to undertake this study. The committee will be charged to complete an approved Research Council report in accordance with your request within 6 months of conclusion of an agreement with the National Science Foundation for financial support of this work.
Thank you for this expression of confidence in the NRC’s ability to provide useful and timely advice on scientific matters of importance to the nation.
