We are facing major global challenges, and new science and tools—such as artificial intelligence and machine learning—are rapidly evolving. Synthesis of these diverse data streams is key. Scientists collect 8 to 10 million data points each year on Chesapeake Bay alone. The Chesapeake Global Collaboratory is about thinking about how to put this data together to create new insights and have a global impact.
The Chesapeake Global Collaboratory is a new initiative led by the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science with the ambitious goal of accelerating solutions to complex problems by bringing a new generation of tools, voices, and approaches to environmental research. It is a “think and do tank,” both a physical and virtual space equipped with state-of-the-art technology where scientists, environmental policy makers, academics, and stakeholders can work together to address our most challenging environmental issues and educate the next generation of problem solvers.
The Collaboratory will support research applications by uniting multi-stakeholder groups to utilize innovative tools to analyze “big data”, leveraging high performance and cloud computing, open data science, and geospatial analytics. UMCES has already begun building institutional capacity to support this effort. A new physical space on the Chesapeake Bay will provide technology-augmented, in-person meeting capabilities and house high-performance computing resources and data scientists. Research funding has been secured from federal funding agencies to provide initial support for data scientists and project management, as well as providing new diverse voices and novel approaches.
NEWS
Summit explores how ‘big data’ and collaboration can solve environmental challenges
More than 150 leaders in science, industry, government, and the nonprofit world came together to discuss how to harness the power of big data and new technologies to accelerate solutions to society's most complex environmental challenges.
“The reason why we are all here today is because of the importance to Maryland and the region of UMCES latest strategic focus—the Chesapeake Global Collaboratory,” said Bill Dennison, interim president at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. “This initiative will use big data and new analytical tools while broadening the sphere of engagement to propel UMCES into its next centenary by working to solve the most complex problems facing the environment and quality of life.” MORE