The information will represent a cross-section of physics and earth science experiments that will be included with the proposal to build a deep underground science and engineering laboratory. The proposal is expected to be submitted to the National Science Foundation at the end of the year, and Lesko said the information he receives this month will have an impact on the facility design.

While members of the DUSEL team are anxiously awaiting the science plans they are also preparing for a regular National Science Foundation review of the project, which is scheduled for mid-February in Berkeley, Calif. The review is one of at least two that will be held this year before the team submits its final plans for the proposed $550 million federally funded underground laboratory. Reviewers will include nine scientists from throughout the country that the NSF specially selects.

“The primary focus is the facility and how the facility is integrating and handling the experiments,” Lesko said.

The DUSEL proposal is expected to be submitted to the National Science Foundation at the end of this year. Afterward, the National Science Board will review the proposal to determine whether it will be submitted to Congress for funding approval. If it is approved, construction for the project could start as early as 2013. If approved, the deep underground science and engineering laboratory at Homestake will be built with campuses down to the 7,400-foot level, which will make it the deepest underground lab in the world.