We connect federal and private sector partners with funding opportunities and expert knowledge to advance scientific research across the Southern Appalachian region.
What is a Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit?
A Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) is a network of federal agencies, universities, research associations, state agencies, non-governmental organizations, and tribes that share certain ideals:
- High quality science
- Usable knowledge for resource managers
- Responsive technical assistance
- Continuing education
- Cost-effective research programs
A network of 17 Units are spread across the nation to achieve these goals. The objectives of the network as a whole are to:
- Connect federal and private sector partners with funding opportunities and expert knowledge
- Provide resource managers with high quality scientific research, technical assistance, and education
- Deliver research and technical assistance that is timely, relevant to resource managers, and can be used to develop and implement sound adaptive management approaches
- Ensure the independence and objectivity of research
- Create and maintain effective partnerships among federal agencies and universities to share resources and expertise
- Take full advantage of university resources while benefiting faculty and students
- Encourage professional development of federal scientists
- Manage federal science resources efficiently
Our Vision
Increase research synergy
Address systemic issues
Apply good science to field needs
Enrich our community of scientists
Products of Our Work
Research
Expert Technical Assistance
Education
Funding Connections
Scope of Our Work
Biological Sciences
Physical Sciences
Cultural Sciences
Social Sciences