A Note from the Executive Director

Most of our time at ARCUS is spent working with the arctic research community to envision and implement; there is little time for introspection. While working on this issue of Witness, however, I saw many references to the value of teamwork, which led me to think back on the ten issues of Witness that we have produced, our partnership with the arctic research community, and what we have all accomplished.

Summer is busy in the Arctic, as plants, animals, scientists, tourists, and builders try to squeeze the maximum amount of productivity into an all too brief season. Many arctic researchers are in the field now working with teams of students and colleagues. Arctic field research remains compelling, in spite of the frequently rigorous conditions, because of opportunities for advancing knowledge, collaborating with colleagues, educating students, as well as learning about an amazing environment.

Several lessons can be drawn from these arctic field experiences, especially about the importance of planning and cooperation during what may be difficult times. The attitude of the team leader is vital to maintain group cohesion in the face of adversity. The supporting logistical infrastructure is crucial to protect the group’s safety and get the work done. Keeping an eye on the long term&emdash;remembering that ups and downs are inevitable&emdash;will maintain sanity. Efficiency of effort matters. Planning ahead is always a good idea. Vision and leadership are critical, as are persistence, creativity, and plain hard work.

These lessons apply as well to the diligence of the arctic research community in science planning. I look back to our first issue of Witness, published in Winter 1992, and note several things: the ARCSS Program was in its infancy, NSF did not yet have a dedicated Arctic Sciences Section, many broad arctic logistics needs were unmet, the Arctic Environmental Protection Strategy had only recently been formulated. Considerable progress has been made in all of these areas in six years because of the cooperation of many people, who contributed to joint planning enterprises on top of the demands of their individual research programs.

The arctic research community has persevered through its share of difficult times and continued to propose and develop exciting and important research initiatives and logistics investments. Much of this research is now producing compelling results, and the logistics needs are receiving deserved attention. These successes are due to hard work by this active community, rigorous and vital research efforts, and the fact that we have cooperated effectively on issues that affect the community as a whole. In the demanding world of arctic research, uniting our efforts&emdash;synergy&emdash;makes the best use of our individual expertise.

Wendy K. Warnick
Executive Director, ARCUS

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