ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) invites participation in its new GRANDE (Geoscience Program Adaptation to Natural Disruptive Events) study. This multi-year initiative seeks to identify established best practices for geoscience academic departments relative to disruptive natural events. Focusing on preparedness, response, and recovery strategies, GRANDE addresses the impacts of natural disasters — such as hurricanes, wildfires, and floods — on operations, teaching, and research in the geosciences.

GRANDE seeks to deepen our understanding of the adaptative measures that U.S. geoscience academic institutions and organizations undertake when faced with natural calamities. By scrutinizing modifications to operational protocols during and after recovery phases, the study endeavors to fortify geoscience academic programs. The ultimate goal is to bolster institutional resilience, ensuring the geoscience community can contribute significantly to societal sustainability and prosperity amid increasing natural disasters.

AGI Executive Director Jonathan Arthur emphasizes the urgency and necessity of this study: "With climate change poised to amplify the frequency and severity of natural disruptive events, geoscience departments are at the forefront of understanding and navigating these challenges." Christopher Keane, Director of Geoscience Profession and Higher Education, adds, "The critical roles of departments extend beyond mere response; they encompass the capacity to transform adversities into avenues for growth and learning."

The study promises not just to unveil the multifaceted consequences of such disruptions but also to craft a comprehensive knowledge framework. This framework will guide strategic planning, adaptation, and mitigation efforts, paving the way for future resilience. AGI strongly encourages engagement in GRANDE from all geoscience sectors.

The project invites participation by members of the geoscience community to share how they or their organization responded to a natural disruptive event since 2000 and to share their perspective of expected impacts on the profession from climate change.  Information is being collected through innovative rapid-reaction surveys, traditional online surveys, oral history interviews, and in-person and online focus groups. The study is open to those who work in the geosciences or are studying the geosciences.  Participants must be at least 18 years old.

For more information about the study and to participate, please visit: https://grande.americangeosciences.org/
 
Funding for this project is provided by the National Science Foundation (Award #2223004). The results and interpretation of the survey are the views of the American Geosciences Institute and not those of the National Science Foundation.

About AGI
The American Geosciences Institute (AGI), a federation of scientific and professional associations representing over a quarter-million geoscientists, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to serving the geoscience community and addressing the geoscience needs of society. AGI headquarters are in Alexandria, Virginia.
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AGI Contact:
Geoff Camphire, Communications
gac@americangeosciences.org