Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences

Strategic Imperative 1: Research

Advance our robust and creative research capabilities to further knowledge in the environmental sciences and the realization of its benefits

A scientist stands on snow and ice holding a flag. A large icebreaker is visible in the background.
Matthew Shupe stands on a ridge and looks out onto the ice floe he has not seen since December. He holds flags which help scientists designate research sites.
- Lianna Nixon

Explore our goals and learn how we are implementing each part of the strategic plan. Click on each card to see more information.

Goal 1

Strengthen and opportunistically enhance existing research, outreach, and engagement to keep CIRES at the forefront of scientific excellence and impact.

Person in snow-covered valley with research equipment

Innovative Research Program (IRP)

An internal, competitive program of CIRES, IRPs support novel research that might otherwise be difficult to fund

researcher adds sample material to a test tube

Visiting Fellows Program

CIRES Visiting Fellowships stimulate interdisciplinary research across the institute through engagement with CIRES researchers at CU Boulder and NOAA

two researchers wade next to inflatable rafts carrying monitoring equipment

Graduate Student Research Awards

This CIRES program recognizes and sponsors excellent graduate students with salary, tuition, and more

Photographic time series capturing the launch of an ozonesonde balloon from Boulder's Marshall Mesa field site.

Administrative support of grant process

The CIRES Proposal, Finance, IT, and HR teams provide many points of support along for submitting proposals and receiving funds.

Five people working with film equipment

Center for Education, Engagement, and Evaluation (CEEE)

CEEE connects environmental science and people to inspire curiosity, community and action

2 scientists in high-visibility vests and masks collect soil samples next to burned buildings

News stories and press coverage

The CIRES Communications team shares stories and connects with reporters to enhance the impact, accessibility, and reach of CIRES science

Goal 2

Collectively identify, prioritize, and implement new initiatives, opportunities, and research directions. Identify new initiatives through diverse mechanisms that solicit input from all of CIRES

Person in snow-covered valley with research equipment

Innovative Research Program (IRP)

An internal, competitive program of CIRES, IRPs support novel research that might otherwise be difficult to fund

person using laptop

Proposal writing clinic

This new initiative connects researchers with a successful proposal writer to learn tips for finding solicitations and writing a successful proposal

A group of people chat in front of a poster

Rendezvous

This institute-wide symposium aims to elevate CIRES science and encourage collaboration among CIRES researchers and staff

A group of people looking up, posing for a group photo taken from above

Science Summit

This mini-conference strengthens our internal networks, fosters collaborations, and amplifies existing research, outreach, and engagement efforts

Poppies in front of mountains in the early morning sun

New faculty hires

CIRES hires one new faculty member each year, with financial support from the Research and Innovation Office (RIO)

Goal 3

Prioritize new initiatives through regular retreats to assess trends and resources as an institute

aerial view of CU campus buildings

Fellows meetings and retreats

CIRES fellows guide the development of our cross-cutting research program

A group of people looking up, posing for a group photo taken from above

Science Summit

This mini-conference strengthens our internal networks, fosters collaborations, and amplifies existing research, outreach, and engagement efforts