The proposed twsc funding will be used to cover participant costs of the science organization chair as well as 15 additional participants from various career stages, balancing participation from…

Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) received a $50.7K grant award from a Civilian Shared Services Center for research support related to the Venus IV meeting and publication. The funding will cover travel and participation costs for 16 attendees including the Science Organization Chair and 15 additional participants representing various career stages and under-represented groups. Additionally, the award compensates clerical staff effort for processing travel reimbursements and supports the organizing chair's coordination activities to facilitate communication between administrative personnel and meeting participants, as well as to incorporate meeting materials into the Venus IV book. SwRI, in partnership with the Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI), is committed to fostering an inclusive, safe, and accessible meeting environment free from discrimination, harassment, and unprofessional conduct.

This grant is unencumbered by set-aside designations and reflects SwRI's ongoing role as a research partner supporting scientific collaboration and knowledge dissemination activities. The award carries an ultimate completion date of February 1, 2025, and was executed on February 2, 2023. SwRI's extensive background as a nonprofit research and development organization with over 2,700 staff members positions it to effectively manage the administrative and logistical components of this scientific gathering while maintaining its commitment to diversity and professional standards in the research community.

The proposed twsc funding will be used to cover participant costs of the science organization chair as well as 15 additional participants from various career stages, balancing participation from under-represented groups. The funding will also be used to compensate for the effort that will be exerted by our clerical staff in disseminating the travel reimbursements, as well as the effort that will be used by the organizing chair to facilitate communication between the clerical staff and meeting participants and facilitate the incorporation of material from the meeting into the venus IV book. Swri, through its partnership with LPI is committed to facilitating an inclusive, authentic, and safe environment where ideas can be shared openly in an environment free from all forms of discrimination, harassment, and unprofessional or disruptive behavior and ensuring accessibility and inclusivity of the meeting.