Publisher
Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research
Mission
The Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research (INSTAAR) develops scientific knowledge of physical and biogeochemical environmental processes at local, regional, and global scales and applies this knowledge to improve society’s awareness and understanding of natural and anthropogenic environmental change.
Research Areas
The world’s high-altitude and high-latitude regions are the Institute’s traditional focus due to their sensitivity to environmental change. INSTAAR has increasingly broadened its geographic focus in a wide range of interdisciplinary studies of Quaternary and modern environments, research into geochronology, human and ecosystem ecology, hydrology, oceanography, landscape evolution, biogeochemistry, and climate.
INSTAAR environmental field research now extends to all major oceans (Arctic, Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, and Southern), coastal seas (Mediterranean, Gulf of Mexico, Hudson Bay), all major landmasses (North through Central to South America, Africa, Australasia, Europe, Asia, and Ocean Islands), and the Polar Regions.
Active Research Programs during 2005 or 2006.
Education and Outreach
INSTAAR’s national and international research leadership in these areas is augmented by exceptional strength in graduate education as well as the exposure of undergraduates to the research process, and by outreach to the public both locally and nationally.
People
The institute consists of 291 members (end of 2006). Fellows
and Research Scientists who govern the Institute total 35, 16 of
which are teaching faculty. This group is supported by 40 professional
scientists, 8 post-doctoral scientists, and 65 graduate students. Other
PhD-level Institute scientists include 39 Research Affiliates (USGS,
NCAR, NOAA, other Universities, and private companies) and 5 Visiting
Scientists. During 2005–2006, the Institute supported 90 undergraduate
research assistants. Our Mountain Research Station has a staff of 7
including faculty and instructors. The Institute’s administrative
staff of 10
support all of its activities.
Some INSTAAR activities in 2005-2006.
Budget
The majority of our $18.4M revenue for 2005–2006 came from federal agencies (59%), followed by the state of Colorado (CU: 19%), auxiliary lab operations (13%), and non-federal sources (9%). Of the federal agencies, NSF remains the largest source of revenue, followed by the Departments of Commerce, Defense, and Interior. INSTAAR research involves about 220 contracts, grants, and gifts at any one time.
Origins
INSTAAR was inaugurated in 1951 but its origins extend back to the Mountain Laboratory in Tolland, Colorado (1909–1919), and to University Camp located at Niwot, Colorado (1914–1920). University Camp was renamed Science Lodge in 1921, and in 1951, the Mountain Research Station (MRS). The MRS remains an important field station supporting INSTAAR research.
Search Abstracts
News
2007-02-01
Editorial Message - 2006 was a successful year
2006-12-01
Did You Know?
AAAR staff also produce the INSTAAR Occasional Paper series, which is a miscellaneous collection of reports and papers on research performed by INSTAAR personnel and their associates.