World War II sparked creation of Geophysical Institute

As presidential bill signings go, H.R. 6496 wasn't a particularly exciting one for the nation on July 31, 1946.

But it would prove historic for the University of Alaska and the future state.

It was the day that President Harry Truman signed legislation creating what today is the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute. The institute is now recognized as a global leader in Arctic research.

Friday marked the institute's 80th anniversary.

The Congressional Record entry for H.R. 6496 notes the university had been performing geophysical research for numerous federal agencies, including defense agencies, since 1941.

It adds that the research has "produced results not only of direct military application in the war emergency but also of value as a contribution to scientific knowledge…"

It also looked far into the future by stating, "... there is a necessity for indefinite continuation of geophysical research in the Arctic in the postwar period …"

Although Friday is the 80th anniversary, the effort to create the institute started 10 years earlier. It was in October 1936 that the University of Alaska Board of Regents unanimously approved a resolution offering the federal government a campus site for a building devoted largely to geophysics.

"The Board of Regents' foresight and vision from nearly a century ago is inspiring," Interim UA President Michelle Rizk said as the anniversary approached. "They recognized UA's unique position and capabilities and our tremendous potential."

"The faculty, staff and student researchers of today's Geophysical Institute are continuing the great work of the generations that came before them and are building the foundation for those yet to come," she said.

The Board of Regents' initial effort stalled when the Territorial Legislature rejected a proposal to fund construction.

By 1945, wartime geophysical research had renewed interest in the proposal within Congress. Support also came from across the Truman administration.

Secretary of War Robert Patterson wrote in April 1946:

"The establishment of the institute would be of direct benefit to various activities contemplated by the War Department. Its facilities would be of great use in connection with Arctic mapping and construction in Arctic regions of civil and military works."

Navy Secretary James Forrestal added in an April 17 letter:

"The future should give to Alaska an important place in the trade and commerce of the world. With this increased importance, the United States should be prepared to take advantage of all its possibilities in an orderly and methodical fashion. It is believed that a geophysical institute would be a valuable agency in the development of this territory."

Geophysical Institute Director Robert McCoy, the current and longest-serving leader, believes the institute today plays a critical role for Alaska and the nation.

"We pursue science because humans are naturally curious," McCoy said when asked about the anniversary, "but we also pursue it for public benefit. That's what the Geophysical Institute is all about."

"The future of geophysical research can be as bright as we want to make it," he said. "The Arctic is now a global focus and will be for many years to come. The Geophysical Institute and its people will continue to be at the center of it."

Since the late 1970s, the University of Alaska Fairbanks' Geophysical Institute has provided the Alaska Science Forum column free in cooperation with the UAF research community. Rod Boyce works in the Geophysical Institute public information office.