It will also support increased activities to provide international experiences for young researchers and to develop new data sources on graduate education. Polar Programs Polar Programs, which include the U.S. Polar Research Programs and U.S. Antarctic Logistical Support Activities, support multi-disciplinary research in Arctic and Antarctic regions. The polar regions are geographic frontiers which provide premier natural laboratories. They play a critical role in world weather and climate and provide unique research opportunities ranging from studies of the earth, ice and oceans to research in atmospheric sciences and astronomy. Increases are provided for studies of human dimensions of the Arctic system and for Arctic logistics, as well as for research on Antarctic ice sheets and oceans.
Increases also sustain the science facilities and operations that make Antarctic research possible.
Continued investment in South Pole Station infrastructure is addressed though the Major Research Equipment account. The Critical Technologies Institute is a Federally-Funded Research and Development Center established in 1992 by Congress to support the complex task of devising and implementing science and technology policy. EHR also plays a major role in the Foundation's long-standing commitment to developing our nation's human resources for the science and engineering workforce of the future. Efforts of reforming curriculum and laboratory instruction, and upgrading equipment continue to be major emphases. FY 1998 funding will also support Graduate Research Fellowships and the Science Education Postdoctoral Fellowships program.