Program News and Announcements

15 November 2023

Apply to the Cosmic Origins Program Analysis Group Executive Committee Here

Dear Colleague,

The Astrophysics Division of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate is pleased to announce a call for nominations, including self-nominations, to serve on the Executive Committee (EC) of NASA’s Cosmic Origins Program Analysis Group, or COPAG (http://cor.gsfc.nasa.gov/copag/). The call for nominations will remain open and accept rolling nominations, as NASA anticipates making several new appointments to the COPAG Executive Committee. The length of an appointment is flexible and nominally is up to a period of three years.

Background: The Cosmic Origins Program (COR) is one of the three thematic programs that encompass NASA Astrophysics. COR seeks to answer the enduring question “How did we get here?” whereas the other two thematic programs, Exoplanet Exploration (EXeP) and Physics of the Cosmos (PCOS) seek to answer the questions, “Are we alone?” and “How does our Universe work?” respectively.

To answer these enduring questions, our community needs not only an ambitious and daring vision but also smart, strategic solutions to achieve the vision. As a member of the COPAG EC, you will provide NASA with expert analysis of current science priorities and technology gaps and offer solutions on how on how best to use NASA resources to advance our understanding of our Cosmic Origins.

Commitment: COPAG EC members meet virtually for one hour every two weeks and attend the COPAG splinter sessions during the AAS winter meeting every year. EC members may be asked to devote additional time for analysis activities.

Benefits: COPAG EC member benefit professionally in various ways.

• Become a national science leader by joining the NASA mission.
• Networking with leading scientist and technologist in Astrophysics and Space Sciences.
• Learn about NASA missions and programs.
• Gain a broad perspective of Astronomy research and space technology.
• Financial support to attend AAS meetings and COR related conferences.

Selection: EC members are selected according to the following criteria:

1. We desire an EC that is diverse across a variety of axes — race/ethnicity, backgrounds, gender, geography, institution size, academia vs. labs, career stage, breadth of science and technology expertise.
2. We seek EC members who can provide NASA with expert analysis of the science and technology gaps and offer analysis of solutions on how these gaps may be closed to realize the vision for our desired understanding of our Cosmic Origins.
3. Ideally, EC members should also be “connectors” and “communicators,” i.e., be active and engaged in the astrophysics community so that they can help facilitate a vibrant exchange of ideas, information and knowledge between HQ and the broader community.

Nominations, including self-nominations, for the COPAG EC should be submitted via the following form (preferred) or via email to Manuel Bautista (manuel.bautista@nasa.gov). Nominations for EC positions can only be accepted for scientists who reside at a U.S. Institution for the period of the service. There is no restriction on citizenship.

A current curriculum vita (or a link to it) and a short cover letter that outlines the applicant’s interests in serving on the COPAG are requested. In the cover letter, please indicate what specifically you (or the applicant) would like to contribute to the Cosmic Origins Program and what you (or the applicant) would like to accomplish as a member of the COPAG EC.

Nominations will be evaluated according to the above criteria by NASA HQ. Applications will remain active as selections are made on a rolling basis based on the criteria above and the needs of the COPAG.

We look forward to working with all of our stakeholders to continue a robust and compelling Cosmic Origins Program.

Sincerely,

Dr. Manuel Bautista
Program Scientist
Science Mission Directorate
NASA Headquarters