Our History
The creation of the Association of Ecosystem Research Centers (AERC) was approved March 7, 1986 at an organizational meeting of ecosystem ecologists in Washington DC followed by the first, official annual meeting in Fall, 1987. Ecosystem science had gained momentum during the 1980s fueled by the growing need to expand temporal and spatial scales of ecological research, the establishment by the National Science Foundation (NSF) of specific sites to do this (Long-Term Ecological Research centers), and recognition of the need for coordination and facilitation of efforts among ecosystem research centers, including those not funded by NSF-LTER – all of which became motivators to establish the AERC.
Over the years, AERC has used ecosystem science promotion, information dissemination, and ecological education to further visibility and understanding of ecosystem science. Its relatively small size and administrative footprint allow a nimble pursuit of the most current and relevant ecosystem topics in a timely manner.
The specific activities of AERC have varied over the years since its foundation and have included symposia on topical themes related to ecosystem research and education that have facilitated communications among academicians, agencies, and policy makers; coordination with other professional organizations (NSF and the Ecological Society of America) in establishment of the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS); and, more recently, co-partnering with the American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) on Congressional Hill briefings and workshops to educate early career scientists on how to communicate effectively with policy makers and the general public.
Over the years, AERC has used ecosystem science promotion, information dissemination, and ecological education to further visibility and understanding of ecosystem science. Its relatively small size and administrative footprint allow a nimble pursuit of the most current and relevant ecosystem topics in a timely manner.
The specific activities of AERC have varied over the years since its foundation and have included symposia on topical themes related to ecosystem research and education that have facilitated communications among academicians, agencies, and policy makers; coordination with other professional organizations (NSF and the Ecological Society of America) in establishment of the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS); and, more recently, co-partnering with the American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) on Congressional Hill briefings and workshops to educate early career scientists on how to communicate effectively with policy makers and the general public.
Our Mission
The Association of Ecosystem Research Centers (AERC) aims to support and encourage cooperation in research and training among ecosystem centers; strengthen ecosystem research and its applications; and advance understanding of ecosystem science at local, regional, national and international levels.
AERC brings together a network of U.S. research programs in universities and private, state and federal laboratories that conduct research, provide training and analyze policy at the ecosystem level of environmental science and natural resources management. These centers are located throughout the U.S. mainland, as well as Alaska and Puerto Rico. . These organizations conduct a major share of the ecosystem research in the United States and represent hundreds of scientists. Together these scientists conduct a major share of the ecosystem research in the United States.
The major environmental and natural-resources problems facing the earth - global climatic change, declining biodiversity, spreading surface and groundwater pollution, acid precipitation, desertification, declining fisheries - are so extensive that they can only be addressed on a regional, continental, or global scale, and with a broadly coordinated interdisciplinary focus. Such scales and focus imply the need for extensive communication; and for exchange of views and collaboration on research, training, and policy needs.
AERC brings together a network of U.S. research programs in universities and private, state and federal laboratories that conduct research, provide training and analyze policy at the ecosystem level of environmental science and natural resources management. These centers are located throughout the U.S. mainland, as well as Alaska and Puerto Rico. . These organizations conduct a major share of the ecosystem research in the United States and represent hundreds of scientists. Together these scientists conduct a major share of the ecosystem research in the United States.
The major environmental and natural-resources problems facing the earth - global climatic change, declining biodiversity, spreading surface and groundwater pollution, acid precipitation, desertification, declining fisheries - are so extensive that they can only be addressed on a regional, continental, or global scale, and with a broadly coordinated interdisciplinary focus. Such scales and focus imply the need for extensive communication; and for exchange of views and collaboration on research, training, and policy needs.
Our Goal
The goal of the AERC is to promote ecosystem research in the United States by providing:
- A centralized network through which ecosystem researchers and research centers can share information on potential funding, educational and research opportunities,
- Congressional briefings and testimony on the importance of ecosystem research funding for solving many of our most pressing environmental problems, and
- Opportunities for early career faculty, graduate students, and postdocs to interact with congressional staff and program officers from major federal granting agencies
AERC is administered by a Board of Directors composed of the President, President-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, and Members-at-Large. Elections for these positions, based on a nominated slate of candidates, are held at the annual business meeting. The Directors-at-Large serve 3-year staggered terms, whereas other Presidential terms, formerly one year, are now two years. The Secretary and Treasurer are frequently re-nominated and elected for multiple years.
Board of Directors
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