Standing Committee

Board on Earth Sciences and Resources

The Board on Earth Sciences and Resources (BESR) coordinates National Academies' activities on Earth science issues, including studies of important national issues in the Earth sciences. BESR interacts with agencies, identifies opportunities for advancing basic research and understanding of Earth science information for policy decisions and reports on the applications of Earth sciences to important societal issues.

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In progress

Any project, supported or not by a committee, that is currently being worked on or is considered active, and will have an end date.

News and Updates

Future Directions for Earth Observations and Data Stewardship: A Workshop

Update

On Dec 2-3, this workshop will convene participants from across the Earth observations community to exchange ideas on enhancing coordination, collaboration, and governance mechanisms to support a more robust ecosystem for the creation, curation, and operation of Earth observations and associated tools.

Oct 21, 2025

Meeting Future U.S. Mineral Resource Needs: New Report

Update

Minerals are used in nearly every part of the nation’s infrastructure, economy, and everyday life, and reliable sourcing and resilient supply chains are more important than ever. A new National Academies report examines the U.S. Geological Survey Mineral Resources Program’s science portfolio and provides a road map to meet U.S. mineral resource needs.

Sep 16, 2025

Aerial view of a Lithium Mine Located and seen from State Route 293, Thacker Pass in the McDermitt Caldera in Northern Nevada. Lithium is an essential element for the production of batteries used in Electric Cars.

About Events Projects Publications/Resources News and updates

Description

The Board on Earth Sciences and Resources (BESR) was established in 1988 to provide a focal point for activities related to Earth science policy including natural resources, geologic hazards, geospatial sciences data, and workforce development.
BESR identifies opportunities for advancing basic research and understanding of Earth science information for policy decisions and reports on the applications of Earth sciences to important societal issues. The Board and its committees also serve as fora for discussions and exchange of information among scientists, engineers, and policy makers from government, universities, and industry.

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