The Cooperative Institute for Earth System Research and Data Science (CIESRDS) is a cornerstone of the long-standing partnership between the University of Colorado Boulder and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Established under a cooperative agreement in 2022, CIESRDS builds on over five decades of collaboration through CIRES (the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences). This partnership enables more than 400 CU Boulder scientists to work side-by-side with NOAA researchers, primarily at the David Skaggs Research Center in Boulder, Colorado. CIESRDS supports NOAA’s mission by advancing Earth system research and data science in areas critical to public safety, environmental resilience, and scientific innovation.

CIESRDS research is organized into eight thematic areas: Future Atmosphere, Climate Science and Prediction, Earth System Data Science, Regional Science and Applications, Scientific Outreach and Education, Space Weather Science and Prediction, Weather Research and Forecasting, and Ecosystem Science and Prediction. These themes reflect the institute’s commitment to both fundamental and applied research that informs NOAA’s

 operational goals. CIESRDS scientists contribute to high-impact projects such as improving weather and climate forecasting, monitoring atmospheric greenhouse gases, and developing tools for space weather prediction.

Beyond research, CIESRDS provides robust administrative and technical support that ensures the smooth operation of its NOAA collaborations. The administrative team, led by Director Waleed Abdalati and Science Manager Kari Bowen, includes experts in finance, human resources, communications, and IT. This infrastructure supports everything from proposal development and reporting to hybrid event logistics and IT troubleshooting, as seen in recent support for NOAA-hosted events and internal systems like the CIESRDS annual report database. These services are essential for maintaining compliance, transparency, and operational efficiency across the institute’s many NOAA-facing activities.

CIESRDS also plays a vital role in workforce development and public engagement. Through its education and outreach programs, the institute trains the next generation of Earth system scientists and fosters scientific literacy among diverse audiences. This includes providing hands-on research opportunities for students and supporting NOAA’s mission to serve society with actionable environmental information. The institute’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion further strengthens its ability to attract and retain top talent in science and administration.

In summary, CIESRDS exemplifies the power of cooperative research in addressing complex environmental challenges. Its integrated model of scientific excellence and administrative support enables NOAA to fulfill its mission more effectively. As highlighted in recent meetings and reports, CIESRDS is not only meeting but exceeding expectations, with its value increasingly recognized at the highest levels of NOAA and federal leadership. This enduring partnership continues to evolve, ensuring that science remains at the forefront of national efforts to understand and respond to environmental change.