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.
In progress
News and Updates
Best Practices, Opportunities for Plugging Orphan Wells Identified in New Report
News Release
Potentially hundreds of thousands of orphaned oil and gas wells across the U.S. remain unplugged or were sealed before modern standards existed, and pose risks to public health, the environment, and nearby communities. A new National Academies report examines technologies and best practices for plugging and remediating orphan wells.
Precompetitive Geoscience Data in the United States: Benefits, Barriers, and Opportunities for Progress
Update
Register to join a June 17 virtual discussion exploring the value of precompetitive geoscience data sharing. Sessions will examine U.S. and international case studies, industry perspectives, and the potential for AI-enabled modeling and analysis using shared subsurface datasets.
Derisking the Future: Continental Drilling for Resource Exploration and Management
Update
The critical minerals needed for advanced technologies, the energy to power advanced manufacturing, and the groundwater resources to support AI and advanced computing all lie in the subsurface. Join our spring meeting on June 15
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.
Contributors
Committee
Chair
Member
Member
Member
Member
Member
Member
Member
Member
Member
Member
Member
Member
Member
Deborah Glickson
Staff Officer
Sponsors
Department of Energy
NASA
National Science Foundation
United States Geological Survey
Staff
Deborah Glickson
Lead
Jonathan Tucker
Lead
Noel Walters
Lead
Charles Burgis
Lead
Cynthia Getner
Samuel Kraft
Maya Frey
Dominique Jenkins
Major units and sub-units
Center for Health, People, and Places
Lead
Earth Systems and Resources Program Area
Lead
