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Ulmer appointed to chair of USARC
President Obama has appointed Fran Ulmer, chancellor of the University of Alaska Anchorage, to a four-year term as chair of the U.S. Arctic Research Commission.
The USARC is an independent federal agency with a mandate to formulate and implement policy on basic and applied Arctic research. Among its other duties, the commission assists federal agencies in establishing a national Arctic research plan, as well as facilitating Arctic research cooperation between the federal government, state government, local governments and international research programs.
Expanded Arctic emphasis The commission’s current goals for the $400 million U.S. Arctic Research Program include an expanded federal emphasis on Arctic climate and Arctic Ocean research; improved oil spill prevention and response in ice-covered waters; and strengthened research into Arctic human health, indigenous languages and indigenous cultures.
“I am honored to serve as chair of the USARC, particularly during this time of increased attention on the Arctic and the rapid changes being observed in the region,” Ulmer said on March 10 in response to her appointment. “I look forward to working with the other commissioners and staff, and the many people in the public and private sectors who are keenly interested in the Arctic.”
“Fran brings an intimate knowledge of the Arctic’s environment, efforts to promote economic development in the region and the need for the U.S. to be a leader in the Arctic,” said Sen. Mark Begich, D-Alaska. “Having her as chair of the commission will help further our nation’s efforts to expand our role and harness our potential as an Arctic nation.”
—Alan Bailey
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