International Partnerships A broad and successful suite of international activities has been developed and fostered by Unidata Currently, there seem to be limited activities between international and U.S. university groups that incorporate team use of Unidata data access and software applications Emerging environmental and technological issues are global in scope and often require rapid analysis and response Significant benefits in research and educational capabilities could be gained by the Unidata community through international partnerships, but these often require data sharing, teamwork on field studies, and faculty/student exchange

Motivation for increased emphasis -- Future capability to evaluate, understand, and respond to environmental trends, hazards, and emergencies will require global collaboration between scientists who are working at universities as well as in government facilities and for non-governmental organizations, and the ability of these scientists to quickly access, model and take action requires infrastructure such as Unidata provides and can foster. International teamwork is greatly aided by workforce development and the management of scientific organizations that are supported by university faculty activities, and Unidata is in an ideal position to contribute to the long-term stability of this infrastructure.

Actions to consider -- Feature individual stories in e-letters on Unidata international connections and any U.S. university group that is involved Explore ideas for next Unidata Users workshop to include more travel funds and direct invitation for international participants (esp. UCAR International Affiliates) and a component that will focus on international teamwork for research & education Continue to explore potential for NSF OISE program major support (such as PIRE program with theme of geoscience cyberinfrastructure data access, visualization, workforce development and building international collaboration) Others ?