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
