The Cooperative Institute for Limnology and Ecosystem Research is a center of excellence that serves as a focal point for collaborations between the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration and University researchers in the Great Lakes region. The research mission of the institute is to improve the understanding of the fundamental physical, chemical, biological, ecological, social, and economical processes operating in the Great Lakes region. CILER also promotes educational training opportunities in the region, through opportunities such as postdoctoral fellows positions and student summer fellowship program.