Celebrating a quarter-century of climate knowledge
The Centre for Earth Observation Science marks 25 years of research
This year marks the 25th Anniversary of the Centre for Earth Observation Science (CEOS), one of the largest and most influential environmental research centres in the world. CEOS honours its silver anniversary as part of the University of Manitoba’s 2019 Homecoming celebrations.
CEOS was established in 1994 with a mandate to research, preserve and communicate the developing knowledge of earth system processes.
“In 1994, we started as a group of three researchers,” says Dr. John Iacozza, Executive Director of CEOS. “CEOS has grown significantly to over 150 faculty, staff, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.”
The Centre is home to five research chairs, including two Canada Excellence Chairs and one Senior Canada 150 Chair. The work CEOS’s scholars have undertaken over the past 25 years has greatly impacted the global conversation on Arctic climate change and raised awareness of important environmental issues.
CEOS researchers have worked in many regions around the globe, with the Arctic marine system as a unifying focus of activity, according to Iacozza.
“While our primary area remains in the Arctic, we also conduct research in the Prairies, as well as outside Canada in Africa, Asia, and South America.”
The research at CEOS is multidisciplinary and collaborative, seeking to understand the complex inter-relationships between elements of earth systems and how these systems will likely respond to climate change.
“Rapid warming in the Arctic has given rise to a persistent decrease in sea ice” says Dr. Gary Stern, Research Professor.
Stern is leading one of six CEOS projects that recently received government funding to research oil spill responses.
“Ship traffic and oil and mineral exploration in the Arctic has increased and this will continue in the future. As a result, it will give rise to the potential for crude oil or fuel being spilled into the marine environment,” says Stern. “This rising risk poses a threat to marine ecosystems and local inhabitants due to the oils’ toxic nature and persistence.”
After 25 years, CEOS continues to be at the forefront of global environmental research. At the 25th anniversary Homecoming event, alumni and community members will have a chance to look back on the history of CEOS as well as learn about climate and environment research in the coming years.
“The research conducted at CEOS over the years has significantly contributed to the current state knowledge of these issues and will continue to address the globally important need to understanding climate change,” says Stern.
More Information
25th Anniversary of the Centre for Earth Observation Science – September 17, 2019
Open House
10:00 am to 3:00 pm: CEOS facilities and research open house for the UM Community on the 4th and 5th floor of the Wallace Building. We’re offering two tours, at 10:30 am and 1:30pm, as well as videos in the theatre and coffee/treats in the main hallway.
Panel Discussion
From 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm in room 223, Wallace Building, a panel consisting of representatives from the academic, government and private sector will discuss the future of Arctic research. Questions and answers from the audience to follow.
Reception
Join us after the discussion from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm for a reception with food and wine in 501 Wallace. This is a great opportunity to socialize with current and past staff and others who have played a role in CEOS over the past 25 years.
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