How does CIRES plan its activities?

Planning for CIRES research and other activities is done on many levels. The Council of Fellows has the primary responsibility for setting the vision of the institute and developing programs. Because the Council consists of University and NOAA scientists, this planning is done collaboratively. It is usually accomplished through regular monthly meetings and biennial retreats. The theme leaders, through additional focused discussion groups, develop theme activities. Opportunities for faculty hiring as a result of departures or retirements also provide an opportunity for reflection and long-range thinking. Strategic planning is an on-going process that results from retreats and discussions. Joining in these avenues for discussion are additional CIRES employees who have demonstrated leadership qualities. Recent examples resulting from extensive planning include the research themes for the institute, the water in the interior west assessment, and an intellectual development in science and technology policy research.

Currently we are evolving the cooperative agreement implementation process to more effectively articulate specific research objectives on an annual basis. This workplan will help identify the research activities associated with each theme and with each NOAA research laboratory. It will serve as the basis for the current Dept. of Commerce legal review as well as serving as the template for reporting our annual accomplishments.

For more information, see the CIRES Strategic Plan, 2002-2007.