CSU, Chico Joins Ecosystems Consortium
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 24, 2006
Joe Wills
530-898-4143
Kristen Petersen, Research and Sponsored Programs
530-898-5700
CSU, Chico Joins Ecosystems Consortium
California State University, Chico was unanimously elected to membership in the California-based Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) by its board at its annual meeting at UC Berkeley on Monday, April 17.
The CESU Network is a consortium of universities and federal agencies that conduct ecosystem research and projects.
Membership in the CESU encourages research collaboration among partner universities and agencies. The CESU was formed by the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993, which emphasizes the need for consistent data collection, research and technical assistance among universities and federal agencies.
Ecosystem studies include the biological, physical, social and cultural sciences. There are 17 CESUs nationwide. The University of California is the host institution of the California CESU.
"This new research opportunity squares well with several of our campus goals, including our determination to support faculty and students, and advance our environmental/sustainability agenda," CSU, Chico President Paul Zingg said.
CSU, Chico faculty and students work on numerous federal research projects each year. Membership in the CESU Network will strengthen current relationships and offer new opportunities to work on federal research projects.
"Membership in the CESU network is a major step forward for the University and allows us to advance our agenda in environmental research, land stewardship and sustainable practices," said Scott McNall, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. "Working with major research universities we can deepen partnerships with federal organizations such as the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service and the U.S. Geological Survey.
"Membership in CESU will mean more grant and contract opportunities, and opportunities for students to work alongside faculty and staff in addressing issues of concern to the community of Northern California," McNall said. "We can draw on the skills and talents of people in a wide variety of disciplines-the social sciences, the natural sciences and engineering-in serving the needs of federal agencies."
Providing high-quality science research, usable knowledge for federal agencies, responsive technical assistance and cost-effective program research are important to members of the CESU.
Humboldt State University and Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo were also approved for membership at the meeting. Current CSU members are CSU, Los Angeles, San Francisco State University and CSU, Fresno. Ten partner agencies participate in the CESU, including the National Parks Service, Bureau of Land Management and National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
The CESU project agreements will be administered by the CSU, Chico Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, led by Vice Provost for Research Katie Milo. More than $24 million in grants and contracts came to the University during 2004-2005 academic year.
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