Dr. Julie Robinson is a prominent figure in the realm of space science, particularly known for her influential role within the International Space Station (ISS) program. As the Chief Scientist for the International Space Station Office at NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC), Dr. Robinson has been instrumental in shaping the scientific direction of the ISS. Her contributions to the program are multifaceted, including the development of astronaut training materials and the innovative use of digital photography for scientific research. Dr. Robinson's expertise has been pivotal in advocating for the ISS's designation as a National Lab, a status that has opened doors for a broader range of research activities aboard the station. Throughout her tenure, Dr. Robinson has navigated the complexities of integrating science into the ISS program, often addressing the challenges and controversies that arise with research funding and setting priorities. Her role has extended to fostering a strong relationship with the Center for Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS), which manages half of the ISS's research capacity for commercial and academic purposes. Despite initial challenges during CASIS's startup phase, she has helped maintain a robust partnership between NASA and the organization. Dr. Robinson's leadership has also been crucial in the establishment of innovative public-private partnerships and in steering the ISS program toward prioritizing impactful research. She has been a key player in managing the delicate balance between engineering and scientific objectives within NASA, ensuring that the ISS could transition from a focus on construction to one of scientific discovery. Her tenure has seen the successful collaboration with international partners despite the occasional interference of political issues. Dr. Robinson has been a vocal advocate for the importance of patience in scientific research, acknowledging the slow but rewarding process of achieving results. With her guidance, the ISS has been on a trajectory to extend its mission until 2024, promising a continued legacy of scientific breakthroughs and the potential for increased commercial use of the station.

Scope and Content Note
July 29, 2015: This interview with Julie Robinson, the Chief Scientist for the International Space Station (ISS) Office at NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC), outlines her professional journey and contributions to the ISS program. Robinson narrates her career progression from a contractor to a civil servant, highlighting her pivotal role in the transformation of the ISS into a fully functional laboratory. She reflects on the challenges faced during this transition, including the skepticism from the scientific community towards NASA, which was fueled by repeated delays and previously unmet expectations for ISS research capabilities. Robinson delves into the period when the position of Chief Scientist was dissolved, yet underscores the persistent endeavors to prioritize and advance scientific research aboard the ISS. She was instrumental in the initiative to rebrand the ISS as a National Laboratory, a strategic move aimed at garnering support from both private and public sectors for space-based research. Throughout the interview, Robinson emphasizes her responsibilities in bridging the gap between scientists and the predominantly engineering-focused environment at NASA. She discusses her efforts in stakeholder engagement, public communication, and fostering international partnerships. Additionally, Robinson sheds light on her involvement in establishing the Program Science Forum, a platform designed to facilitate dialogue and collaboration among ISS researchers. The interview concludes with Robinson suggesting potential topics for future discussions, which could provide deeper insights into her experiences and the broader context of scientific research on the ISS.

August 26, 2015: This interview with Julie Robinson provides a comprehensive overview of the International Space Station's (ISS) history, focusing on the evolution of its research management and the involvement of the Center for Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS). Robinson outlines the selection process of CASIS and the initial challenges encountered in establishing a partnership with NASA, noting that despite changes in CASIS's management, the collaboration with NASA has remained robust. The conversation delves into the complexities of public-private partnerships in space research, highlighting the difficulties in prioritizing research activities aboard the ISS. The addition of a seventh crew member is discussed in terms of its impact on research capacity, alongside the challenges of managing the ISS's limited resources and addressing disputes over research priorities. Robinson also reflects on the dynamics of international cooperation on the ISS, emphasizing the critical role of collaboration in advancing scientific research. She touches upon the evolution of these relationships, particularly as new modules joined the ISS, and the creation of the Program Science Forum. The benefits of open data access and modern analytical techniques in scientific research are underscored, along with a mention of the top 10 research outcomes from the ISS and the inherently slow progression of scientific discovery. Lastly, the interview addresses the broader challenges and potential enduring impact of the ISS, considering the need to balance engineering and scientific objectives within NASA. The interviewee speculates on the future possibilities for research and discoveries that the ISS might facilitate, contemplating its long-term legacy.