Scientific Theme: Advanced Modeling and Observing Systems

CIRES in 2006-2007: Creating a Dynamic Research Environment
Creating a Dynamic Research Environment
CIRES has created a number of programs and initiatives to stimulate interdisciplinary collaborations between
CIRES, NOAA and University Departments. The following paragraphs summarize our main programs. Detailed
descriptions and specific research outcomes can be found in the Complementary Research section of this report.
CIRES’ Outstanding Performance Awards Program
The CIRES Awards Committee, comprised of CIRES‘ Members‘ Council representatives, annually reviews the
nominations and recommends awards for outstanding professional achievement. Five awards of $2,000 each were
given this year, three in the science and engineering category and two in the service category. The awards were
presented to each individual or research team at the CIRES‘ Members‘ Council Rendezvous symposium (see below).
This year, CIRES recognized Joost de Gouw (CSD), David Stone and Kelvin Fedrick (SEC), and Jonathan Kofler
(GMD) for outstanding performance in Science and Engineering, and Allaina Howard (NSIDC), and John Maurer
(NSIDC) for outstanding achievements in Service.
In 2006, NOAA presented its 2006 Bronze Award to NOAA employees for demonstrating the usefulness of
unmanned aircraft systems in accomplishing NOAA‘s mission, including operational and research goals. Several
CIRES members were integral members of this stellar team, and in April 2007, CIRES presented them each with
plaques recognizing their contributions. These CIRES members are Dale Hurst (GMD), Fred Moore (GMD),
Geoffrey Dutton (GMD) David Nance (GMD), Brian Vasel (GMD), Marian Klein (formerly PSD) Vladimir
Leuski (formerly PSD), and Eric Ray (CSD).
Visiting Fellows Program
CIRES annually conducts a competitive Visiting Fellows program that promotes collaborative research at the
forefront of scientific knowledge. One-year fellowships are made to Ph.D. scholars and university faculty planning
sabbatical leave to continue their education in research positions that may foster interdisciplinary training and
exposure to scientific assessments and policy research. Since 1967, CIRES has awarded more than 220 Visiting and
Sabbatical Fellowships. Recipients have included previous CIRES Director, Susan Avery, and current Director,
Konrad Steffen. Selections are based in part on the likelihood of stimulating academic interactions and the degree to
which both parties will benefit from the exchange of new ideas. To further this goal, the competition is open to
scientists from all countries, and priority is given to candidates with research experience at institutions outside the
Boulder scientific community.
Fellowships are offered to scientists with research interests in the following areas:
Physics, chemistry, and dynamics of the Earth system (atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere,
cryosphere)
Global and regional environmental change
Climate system monitoring, diagnostics, and modeling
Remote sensing and in situ measurement techniques for the Earth system
Interdisciplinary research themes
Graduate Research Fellowship Program
CIRES has long supported a Graduate Research Fellowship program to promote student scholarship and research
excellence. The program embraces a dual approach by (1) attracting the outstanding students at the outset of their
graduate careers, and (2) enabling current students to place a greater emphasis on completing and publishing their
research results. Support ranges from a summer stipend to tuition, stipend and partial health insurance for one year
(12 months). Fellowships are restricted to Ph.D. students advised by a CIRES Fellow or any prospective or current
graduate student who might be advised by a CIRES Fellow. Evaluations by a committee of CIRES Fellows are
based on the candidate‘s University application, accomplishments, and the likelihood of their contribution to
environmental science. Independence, passion for science, and ability to communicate are also considered. This
year, CIRES awarded fellowships to seven students, five of whom were new recruits, to explore topics ranging from
climate change and the mass balance of the Greenland ice sheet to natural carbon storage in ecosystems and the role
of organic haze in the early Earth‘s atmosphere.
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