Strategic & Implementation Plans
- STRATEGIC PLAN: The High Altitude Observatory (HAO) Strategic Plan outlines an ambitious five-year roadmap to advance solar-terrestrial physics by developing comprehensive, quantitative knowledge of the Sun-Earth connection. This plan emphasizes leadership in observational and modeling facilities, collaborative research, and the education and mentorship of early-career scientists. HAO's core objectives include improving space weather and climate forecasting, maintaining state-of-the-art observational capabilities, and fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. Through strategic partnerships and community engagement, HAO aims to enhance scientific understanding and public awareness of the Sun’s impact on Earth’s atmosphere and society.
Strategic Plan (pdf link) - IMPLEMENTATION PLAN: This Implementation Plan outlines the steps required to maximize the return on our strategic planning efforts, benefiting HAO, the NCAR community, and the global solar terrestrial physics community. It leverages HAO's historical strengths in solar spectropolarimetry, solar atmospheric dynamics, and terrestrial upper atmospheric physics to address scientific problems at the Sun-Earth connection. The plan details the roles of Strategic Working Groups (SWGs) and Science Task Groups (STGs) in driving core area efforts, developing instruments and models, and addressing specific scientific challenges. It emphasizes flexibility in participation due to limited base funding and highlights the alignment of these activities with HAO priorities to attract external funding. The plan also describes the operational structure, led by the HAO Director and key department heads, and the advisory framework, consisting of internal and external committees, to support and guide HAO's research and strategic initiatives.
Implementation Plan (pdf link)