ExoPAG 32- Postponed

Program

During the ExoPAG 32 meeting, the Executive Committee intends to conduct a vote among meeting attendees on the following proposed finding:

Whereas NASA Science Mission Directorate policy document SPD-41a states that “It is SMD’s intent to require openly shared data, with no period of exclusive access to the data, in a future version of this policy.”,

We find that among the community of exoplanet astronomers present at the ExoPAG 31 meeting, the negative aspects of a move toward zero proprietary period were seen to outweigh the positive aspects. Free response survey descriptions of the outcomes of small group discussions on this topic demonstrated several common themes. Ten of the fourteen groups of 3-6 astronomers (71%) reported that their group anticipated decreased quality of scientific results due to “rushing” and/or an increase in the incidence of “scooping” as a result of the policy change. Among these responses, the policy change was seen as likely to disproportionately impact early career scientists, to discourage submission of general observing proposals, and to disincentivize mission development. 64% of respondents to the post-discussion survey “Agreed” or “Strongly Agreed” with the statement “NASA moving to a zero proprietary period would affect me or my students negatively”, while only 17% chose “Disagree” or “Strongly Disagree”. The most common suggestion for amendment to NASA’s new proprietary period policy was that the agency consider implementing a zero proprietary period only for survey proposals and missions, and retain an exclusive access period for general observing proposals.

Draft Agenda (updated May 27, 2025)

All times are EDT (PDT -3 hours, UTC +4 hours)
10:00am - 5:30pm

This fully virtual meeting will be hosted on Microsoft Teams

The Teams Webinar Link will be sent to all registered participants prior to the meeting