Earth Science Information Partners Joins the AGI Federation

Alexandria, Va. — The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) welcomes Earth Science Information Partners (ESIP) as a Liaison Organization. ESIP’s admission to the AGI Federation was formally approved by the AGI Executive Committee earlier this year.

About ESIP

ESIP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, volunteer, and community-driven organization that advances the use of Earth science data through meetings and virtual collaborations focused on Earth science data-related topics. Created by NASA in 1998, ESIP was formed in response to a National Research Council recommendation calling for the involvement of community stakeholders in the development of NASA’s Earth Observing System Data and Information System as a critical element of the U.S. Global Change Research Program. Since its inception, ESIP has continually grown and attracted a diverse group of partners, which now includes more than 150 partner organizations. ESIP partners include federal data centers, government research laboratories, research universities, education resource providers, technology developers, and various nonprofit and commercial enterprises.

“Earth science data are critical to every facet of the geoscience enterprise, which engages the most pressing challenges and promising opportunities facing society today,” said AGI Interim Executive Director Sharon Tahirkheli. “Welcoming ESIP as a Liaison Organization enhances the strength of our federation and the network of connections that make data-driven partnerships and collaborations possible throughout the geoscience community.”

“We find significant value in working together with other geoscience societies to improve the quality of life, economic opportunities, and stewardship of the planet through collaborating to improve our collective services,” added ESIP Executive Director Susan Shingledecker. “ESIP facilitates connections across traditional boundaries — organizations, sectors, disciplines, systems and data — allowing our partners and participants to leverage their collective expertise and technical capacity to address common challenges related to Earth science data.”