Monday, July 05, 2021

Total annual funding to state geological surveys approaches a quarter billion dollars

The 2021 Report of AASG Statistician Ken Bradbury of WI indicates that FY20 revenue to state geological surveys was $231M, with total staff of 1789 FTE, and current estimates for FY21 at $242M. Funding had peaked at $237M in FY12, due to the federal stimulus, and as federal funds fell by $45M, and total funding bottomed out at $216M in FY14, surveys raised diverse funds to achieve stability, although states vary. Adjusted for inflation, state surveys have been financially stable since the early 80s, although staffing has fallen in that time by a third. FY20 funding is half state-derived, and 20% federal, with the remainder in other categories. State funds are mostly recurring rather than non-recurring; whereas recurring state funds were over 90% of budgets in 1960, this fell to 40% in 2010 and has since stabilized. An upswing in federal funding is underway in FY21. Percent female among science staff has risen steadily over a decade from 24% to 30%. Publication sales continue to dwindle as data and publications are offered for free online.


Thursday, July 01, 2021

AGI Executive Director, Jon Arthur

The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) today announced the appointment of Dr. Jonathan Arthur as its new Executive Director, effective August 1, 2021. Jon has been with Florida Geological Survey since 1993, and Florida State Geologist since 2008. He served as AASG President in 2014/2015, having joined AASG Executive in 2010. He also has served as President of the Florida Association of Professional Geologists. He was recently appointed to the Water Science and Technology Board of the National Academy of Sciences. He earned his Ph.D. from Florida State University in 1994. Best wishes, Jon!