CIMAS-NOAA PARTNERSHIP

CIMAS was created in 1977 through a Memorandum of Understanding between NOAA and the University of Miami. In 1992 the Miami laboratories of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) were formally included in this cooperation through the establishment of the Cooperative Unit for Fisheries Education and Research (CUFER). CIMAS is one of 13 Joint Institutes associated with the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) which is responsible for carrying out much of the basic research in NOAA. CIMAS addresses issues of national interest within the context of NOAA's missions of environmental prediction and stewardship. CIMAS accomplishes this:

  • by fostering joint projects between University of Miami scientists and those employed at NOAA laboratories;
  • by employing scientific staff who possess specialized skills that complement expertise at NOAA and RSMAS for the purpose of carrying out collaborative research;
  • by providing a mechanism for engaging graduate students and post-doctoral associates in the research in these laboratories;
  • by bringing scientists to Miami for short-term visits to enhance the general effort in research areas through consultations and seminars and by arranging for their involvement in ongoing projects for longer time periods; and,
  • by providing training for personnel in various areas of research in marine and atmospheric science.

CIMAS enhances NOAA-University synergisms and thus promotes both the quality and attractiveness of the local NOAA laboratories as a working environment. CIMAS increases the breadth of University involvement in problem areas that are important for the fulfillment of NOAA's mission.

Most activities in CIMAS are associated with research programs at the NOAA Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) and the Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) both of which are located on Virginia Key in close proximity to the CIMAS/RSMAS campus, a few miles east of the coast and the city of Miami (or here).