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			 **   THE GEM MESSENGER   **
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						     Volume 4, Number 7
						     March 18, 1994

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MESSAGE FROM THE NEW NSF PROGRAM DIRECTOR
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     My first priority as the program director for Magnetospheric 
Physics (MAG), is to have a strong and viable GEM program. I will 
also strive to have a well balanced  base program, to encourage 
new investigators, and to maintain the vitality of the field.  
     
     Twenty one GEM proposals were received that covered the three 
areas: (1) Boundary Layers; (2) Tail and Substorm; and (3) General 
Geospace Circulation Model. In addition to mail reviewers, the 
proposals will be evaluated by a panel during the third week of 
March. I expect that the recommendations for funding will be 
decided around the end of April. 
      
     I am encouraged and impressed by the high caliber of the 
proposals. Unfortunately, the total amount requested is well above 
the GEM budget. Relief cannot come from the base MAG Program which 
is already oversubscribed . A future possibility comes from a 
multi-agency thrust, the "National Space Weather Program", arguing 
that magnetospheric disturbances can pose serious and, occasionally, 
catastrophic hazards to technological systems. Space weather affects 
communications, electrical power, energy resources, military systems, 
etc. If successful, this effort might lead to increases in the FY 96 
budget.
     
     A final note regarding proposal submission guidelines: a new 
proposal format will be implemented starting April 4, 1994. The most 
important changes are that the total 15 page restriction applies to 
figures and tables as well as text, that appendices are not allowed, 
and that new forms are to be used. You can order a copy of the new 
guidelines, the "Grant Proposal Guide" (NSF 94-2) from NSF at 
     Forms and Publications Unit, Room P15, 
     Tel: 703 306 1130 
     Internet: pubs at nsf.gov 
     A Postscript file can also be accessed by E-mail.
     Call 703 306 1234.
     
     If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate 
to call, write or E-mail. I am here to help and to serve the community.
     Best wishes,
     Odile
     
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     Odile de La Beaujardiere
     Program Director, Magnetospheric Physics
     National Science Foundation
     4201 Wilson Boulevard
     Arlington, VA 22230
     
     Tel: 703-306-1519
     Fax: 703-306 0377
     Internet: odelabe at nsf.gov
     ************************************************

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