Scientific advances in recent decades in space exploration, satellite observations, and supercomputing have resulted in an ability to undertake global studies that were formerly impossible. The change in applied earth sciences from supporting the resource exploration sector to including the environmental conservation and protection sector has added new requirements for regional and global baseline environmental studies. Many new initiatives have been launched as international collaborative programs in which Canada - given its large land area and its frontage on three oceans - has commonly had a special responsibility to play an important scientific role. The means by which such science is undertaken has likewise adjusted to these changes in the discipline. In particular, the need for sophisticated scientific research platforms has become essential. These range from space platforms (space stations, satellites), to atmospheric research platforms (balloons, aerosondes, mobile field stations), to ocean research platforms (ships, ice islands, tethered and autonomous underwater vehicles, drill ships), to continental research platforms (field stations, drilling platforms, seismic platforms) . The management and funding of such research platforms is usually difficult and not well accommodated by institutions or granting agencies. The cost is typically more than can be recovered by user fees from individual researchers, yet below the special funding levels secured by some ''big science'' projects. It is argued that a new grant category tie., for NSERC grants) of Major Logistic Grants is required to balance the existing areas of support, such as Equipment Grants and Research (Operating) Grants. This would provide not only greater equity in proposed lines of inquiry, but would allow for more cost effective long-term planning of complex interdisciplinary international programs.
