ES-05. The Environmental Data Science Innovation & Inclusion Lab (ESIIL): a next-generation NSF data synthesis center

Abstract
The Environmental Data Science Innovation & Inclusion Lab (ESIIL) is a next-generation NSF synthesis center led by the University of Colorado Boulder in collaboration with NSF’s CyVerse at the University of Arizona and the University of Oslo. ESIIL enables a global community of environmental data scientists to leverage the wealth of environmental data and emerging analytics to develop science-based solutions to solve pressing challenges in biology and other environmental sciences. ESIIL holds inclusion as a core principle and method for diversifying environmental data science at a time when society needs all perspectives, and science needs to serve all. ESIIL’s research community generates discoveries and novel approaches through: 1) cutting-edge team science, 2) innovative tools and collaborative cyberinfrastructure, 3) data science education and training, and 4) inclusive participation and diverse groups. These activities advance the frontier of environmental data science, a rapidly evolving discipline bridging the computational, biological, environmental, and social sciences. ESIIL’s open Collaborative and Scalable Environment (CASE) cyberinfrastructure lowers barriers to scientific collaboration through tailored user experience, seamless connection to critical data sources, and premier cloud computing. ESIIL’s education program facilitates broad access to environmental data science skills and helps develop the next-generation data-capable workforce through our online learning portal, reaching over two million unique users each year. Partnerships with Tribal Colleges and Minority-Serving Institutions increase data skills and knowledge sharing among underrepresented groups. Join us in building the ESIIL Network, a diverse and inclusive community that is committed to generating data-inspired discoveries that enhance societal and ecosystem resilience.