CIRES History, 1967-2002

By the last third of the 20th century thoughtful scientists investigation particular aspects of Earth had come to recognize that the only way to find answers to the big questions about this planet was to consider the narrowly defined issues in the context of Earth as a complex physical biological system composed of many interacting parts. The move toward interdisciplinary approaches as a productive way to research fundamental questions of how the Earth works, with the added concern for how the physical environment affect human activities was born.

It has been said that a successful enterprise is the lengthened shadow of a few people of vision and determination who work to create it. This is true of units within an academic framework, in which the continuity of organizational structures, adequate and productive in the past, is often accepted as the best way to confront the future. Willingness to accept modifications or major changes of past practices with optimism and enthusiasm, and to produce the resources needed, is a mark of mature and responsible leadership. CIRES is fortunate that the administrations of the University and of NOAA and ERL have provided that kind of support.

CIRES, 1967-2002: Pioneering a Successful Partnership, by C. Kisslinger