About the Cooperative Institute for Limnology and Ecosystems Research

The Cooperative Institute for Limnology and Ecosystems Research (CILER) was established in 1989, with the objective of fostering University and NOAA partnerships in the Great Lakes region. As a Center of Excellence at the School of Natural Resources and Environment at the University of Michigan, CILER brings together this expertise in Great Lakes science and outreach. The current CILER Cooperative Agreement with NOAA was awarded in 2007 to the University of Michigan and nine consortium universities (Michigan State University, University of Toledo, Grand Valley State University, University of Minnesota-Duluth, University of Wisconsin, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Ohio State University, State University of New York at Stony Brook, and Pennsylvania State University).  In addition, collaborators include non-consortium partners from around the Great Lakes and marine coastal communities.  Since this agreement has been in effect, CILER has supported over 100 projects that total about $18 million in research funding. 

 

CILER's Vision

To enhance the quality of the Great Lakes and its related ecosystem services, through a partnership of universities, NOAA scientists, and other stakeholders.

CILER's Mission

  • Advance our understanding of, and ability to predict, complex ecosystem processes, responses, and dynamics in the Great Lakes.
  • Identify and characterize emerging areas of concern for the Great Lakes ecosystem, with applications to all coastal ecosystems.
  • Provide a forum for better linking ecosystem responses, sustainable ecosystem services, and decision-making in the Great Lakes.
  • Translate research into productive outcomes for stakeholders in the region through outreach and education.
  • Improve effectiveness of education and expand research training opportunities for students and postdoctoral fellows.

CILER's Goals

  • Advance the science of Great Lakes ecosystem forecasting by integrating physical, chemical, and biological components to allow for more effective responses and management of invasive species, climate change, habitat alteration, and contaminants.
  • Facilitate the translation of research into more effective decision-making and public education.
  • Support NOAA's mission and strategic goals.
  • Facilitate research in the Great Lakes region.
  • Mentor and train the next generation of scientists through research and educational opportunities.

Executive Board

The Executive Board makes recommendations concerning CILER’s strategic plan, administration, budget, future cooperative agreements, and Management Council membership.

 

Members include:


Al Powell - Director, NOAA Center for Satellite Applications and Research

Russell Callender - Acting Director, NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science

Marie Lynn Miranda - Dean, School of Natural Resources and Environment (SNRE), University of Michigan

Volker Sick - Associate Vice-President for Research, University of Michigan

Marie Colton - Director, Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, NOAA (Ex-Officio)

Allen Burton - Director, Cooperative Institute for Limnology and Ecosystems Research, SNRE, University of Michigan (Ex-Officio)

Management Council

The Management Council provides reviews and recommendations of the scientific direction of CILER and facilitates opportunities for collaboration.  They select the competitive CILER Postdoctoral Fellowship award recipients.  This council is comprised of directors of Great Lakes Sea Grant programs and university institutes, NOAA senior scientists and senior university faculty from our university consortium.  Click on the list of Management Council members that shows links to their web profiles, and their affiliations, contact information, and research interests.

 

Council of Fellows

This council includes over 30 Great Lakes researchers with reputable research programs who are willing to mentor postdoctoral fellows from CILER's competitive program.  They also facilitate research collaboration opportunities across the CILER consortia.  Click on the list of Council of Fellow members that shows links to their web profiles, and their affiliations, contact information, and research interests.  

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