The School of Earth Sciences is committed to the principle that has guided it from its formal establishment as a separate school in 1947—that of harnessing science and engineering for the benefit of humankind. We are committed to the fulfillment of this principle through the accomplishment of our mission:
• to create and effectively disseminate fundamental knowledge about Earth, its resources, and the processes by which it changes;
• to train students and future leaders, and educate the broader public in the Earth and environmental sciences; and
• to integrate, synthesize, and apply scientific and engineering knowledge to societal problems, such as the sustainable use of energy and water resources, the identification and mitigation of risks posed by natural hazards, and the consequences of human activities on the environment.

Our efforts to accomplish our mission will be characterized by a focus on discovery at the interface of disciplines and approaches; a collegial, collaborative, and inspiring environment for faculty, students, and staff; and strong and well-funded centers of excellence in emerging areas of science and education.

In order to successfully pursue the vision and mission that we have set for ourselves, we must make significant headway in a number of areas related to our research, education, and outreach programs. In meeting the goals that follow, we will both build on things we now do well and overcome impediments that may prevent success.
• expand the understanding of Earth and its history and dynamics, environmental changes, natural resources, hazards, and sustainability through fundamental scientific and engineering research and its integration;
• provide an intellectual, collegial, and productive working environment that supports fundamental research and promotes collaboration;
• build links between the Earth sciences and other disciplines as required to address increasingly complex problems of compelling intellectual and societal importance;
• strengthen communication with and outreach to the university, its alumni, and the larger world;
• strengthen education programs within the school by providing rigorous and innovative curricula within current and new programs, by fostering excellence in teaching and advising, and by providing broadly based educational opportunities to students with diverse backgrounds and interests; and
• make an understanding of Earth processes an essential component of a Stanford education, and bring an exposure to Earth sciences to all.

In order to accomplish these priority goals, significant changes will be required in our facilities, staffing, and funding. The importance of these areas to the accomplishment of our research, education, and outreach goals leads to their inclusion as goals in their own right.
• improve and support analytical and computational facilities and staffing; and
• enhance extramural funding and support for research, teaching, and outreach.

A detailed discussion of these goals and the strategies that will allow us to accomplish them is included in the following sections. One strategy that overarches all of them, however, is depicted above.

The School of Earth Sciences is unique in that it embraces Earth and environmental sciences and engineering in the same institutional unit. Moreover, it is a small school where interactions among faculty, staff, and students across departments and beyond the school are possible and are as important as those within departments. By better taking advantage of these characteristics through the facilitation and encouragement of cross-departmental research, teaching, communication, facilities, and outreach activities, we lay the groundwork for innovative and transformative research and education.

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