CIRES Fast Facts

Tidbits and Quick Facts

CIRES History CIRES has provided a setting for collaborative research and teaching in the wide-ranging disciplines of the environmental sciences since 1967.

CIRES Science CIRES is home to five centers of scientific excellence. CIRES scientists and faculty published over 500 scholarly papers in FY 2003.

Science in the Field CIRES scientists have done field work throughout the world, from Antarctica to Greenland, from the Rocky Mountains to the Himalaya.

Education From 1998 to 2004, more than 120 teachers participated in Earthworks, CIRES' geosciences education program for secondary teachers.

Accomplishments & Awards CIRES scientists have won the National Medal of Science, had features in Antarctica named after them, and been appointed to presidential positions and named Distinguished Professors.

Jobs & Opportunities With more than 500 employees, CIRES offers many opportunities, from professional positions to student and graduate student positions, and visiting fellowships.

CIRES Fast Facts / FAQ

What is CIRES?

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) is a research institute that is sponsored jointly by the University of Colorado at Boulder (CU) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). More...

What research areas are represented in CIRES?

To answer the above question, CIRES has organized its research around six theme areas as discussed in the cooperative agreement proposal submitted to NOAA. The themes illustrate our commitment to science in service to society. These themes are intended to be interdisciplinary. Many CIRES employees will be conducting research in more than one theme area. More...

How is CIRES governed?

CIRES is governed by a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between NOAA and CU and operates under various university policies and procedures, including a set of bylaws. More...

How is CIRES organized to accomplish its work?

CIRES is governed by a Council of Fellows, which serves as the Institute's board of directors, sets overall policy and directions for CIRES, and recommends to the University and NOAA the appointment of the CIRES Director. CIRES has also established a CIRES Members' Council, which represents the non-Fellow, career-track employees of CIRES, and an Executive Committee that works with and advises the CIRES Director. Finally, CIRES is organized into divisions that reflect the disciplines. More...

Who works for CIRES and where?

CIRES employees consist of university faculty, research scientists, research associate scientists, administrative staff, and students. They work in three main locations in Boulder. More...

What are the scientific and educational partnerships with the Institute?

CIRES is a cooperative institute between NOAA and the University of Colorado. In addition to CIRES, NOAA's Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research administers twelve other collaborative long-term research partnerships between NOAA and participating universities. More...

How does CIRES plan its activities?

The Council of Fellows has the primary responsibility for setting the vision of the institute and developing programs, but planning for CIRES research and other activities is done on many levels. Also, planning is done collaboratively and is usually accomplished through regular monthly meetings and biennial retreats. More...

How is CIRES reviewed?

Peer review of CIRES activities occurs in a variety of ways, including the external review of science programs, university reviews, and internal reviews, among others. More...