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Researchers at the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA) at Colorado State University in Ft. Collins are the creators of the brilliant GeoColor product you most likely see on the news. Their behind-the-scenes algorithm provides imagery used by forecasters, scientists, and media alike when covering all manner of weather and environmental stories. “The value of color transcends beauty — it holds rich information content in a form that is readily relatable to human analysts of complex earth scenes,” said Steve Miller , director of the CIRA and developer of GeoColor. “GeoColor provides a natural entry point for understanding the power [of weather satellites] — conveying the complexity and beauty of our planet’s weather in a simple, intuitive way that everyone can appreciate.” The innovative methodology that provide the images and videos we see is a great example of how CIRA researchers can solve puzzles to inform the public about extreme weather. Currently available geostationary weather satellites over the U.S. only collect information in red and blue bands of visible light. Read more about how CIRA researchers worked to build out a hybrid green band including the use an additional near-infrared band, onboard U.S. satellite instruments, to impart additional sensitivity to green vegetation — a ‘hybrid’ green approach. DID YOU KNOW? CIRA maintains a satellite library for easy access to satellite images of recent events, including GeoColor and other satellite products. Read more about CIRA>>>

CO-LABS is receiving information about the layoffs, threatened or actual budget cuts, and confusing or contradictory directives affecting federally funded research labs in Colorado. We are working to provide insight on the negative impacts of these swirling policy issues to our federal elected official to help mitigate and halt the destruction of our national research ecosystem. Read our statement below to Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse - his District (CD-2) is home to numerous federally funded labs and joint institutes. We are working to provide details to his staff to assist with his role as the Chair of the Rapid Response Task Force and Litigation Working Group . See our project with the Boulder Chamber and Workforce Boulder County regarding Boulder-area partners of labs here , you can provide examples of impacts to your company or organization. February 24, 2025   The Honorable Joe Neguse U.S. House of Representatives 2400 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515-0602   Dear Representative Neguse,   I’m reaching you on behalf of the CO-LABS network of federally funded research laboratories and our broad membership spectrum of science- and technology-focused companies, universities and professionals in Colorado and in CD-2 in particular.   We’re alarmed at the Administration’s legally dubious funding freezes, indiscriminate layoffs and unclear Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) processes that have caused turmoil in our national research agencies and hobbled projects with private-sector partners. This is a self-inflicted setback to the United States’ innovation leadership that our country cannot afford. We urgently request your help to mitigate and ensure the legality of any staff reductions and budget cuts affecting the research labs in Colorado whose missions are collectively serving the most fundamental needs of our citizens.  We welcome the recently announced Rapid Response Task Force and Litigation Group to address the scale of threat to our nation’s research enterprise.   The scientific research occurring at federal labs and institutes in Boulder, Ft. Collins and across the Front Range ensure our most basic societal needs are provided for, such as clean water, energy, national defense, food production, extreme weather resiliency and public health programs. Research in Boulder labs and institutes also serve our country’s more aspirational goals in quantum computing, artificial intelligence, renewable energy provision, bioscience, transportation and aerospace technologies and much more.   Even worse is the intangible effect of losing deeply talented and brilliant scientists and dedicated public servants. As was discussed on February 5, 2025 at a Congressional Space, Science and Technology Committee hearing on U.S. Competitiveness, America’s global leadership position in the majority of the critical technology fields has been overtaken by China. The U.S. still holds the clear lead in 7 of 64 technology categories, whereas China is currently leading in the rest.(1)   Without a renewed commitment to scientific research, the United States risks falling behind further in critical scientific domains. As federal research investment is the foundation of our national economic prosperity, the dissolution of knowledge from our country’s scientific agencies and universities will further enable global competitors and weaken our international standing in science - this is ultimately a national security issue.    The range of research within more than 35 federally funded research laboratories and joint institutes across Colorado is a crucial part of our nation’s ability to function responsibly and equitably on behalf of all our citizens. We truly appreciate your efforts to ensure a responsible and pragmatic strategy by Congress to support our country’s scientific enterprise, and that taxpayer-funded laboratories continue to manifest the positive and inspiring benefits of science!   Sincerely, Dan Powers Executive Director CO-LABS, Inc.  (1) Research and Development: U.S. Trends and International Comparisons: https://ncses.nsf.gov/pubs/nsb20246 About CO-LABS: CO-LABS, incorporated in 2007, is a 501(c)3 non-profit consortium of federally funded scientific laboratories, research universities and colleges, business leaders and economic development experts organized to nurture and champion Colorado as a global leader in scientific research, technology, and related commercialization of discoveries.   Through lab tour, events, economic analyses, strategic communications and networking activities we work to: • PROMOTE Colorado’s research ecosystem as a global center in research and technology • EDUCATE the public about the labs’ impact and importance of sustained funding for research • CONNECT the labs, universities and businesses to facilitate partnerships and technology transfer See more at www.co-labs.org .

February 21, 2025 - In a collaborative effort to understand and respond to the economic and community impacts of decisions associated with the current federal administration transition period, the Boulder Chamber is teaming with CO-LABS and Workforce Boulder County to collect data on specific funding disruptions and policy changes that are impacting Boulder regional research laboratories, government agencies and businesses and to offer guidance to impacted individuals and organization.   Through the following Federal Transition Analysis & Resources web page - https://www.boulderchamber.com/federal-transition/  - individuals with direct knowledge of federal funding disruptions and policy changes are being asked to share the workforce and program implications. To ensure the accuracy of the information we collect, please know that we are seeking input from individuals and businesses with direct knowledge of federal program cuts, policy changes and funding reductions, along with their organization impacts. The Boulder Chamber recognizes that those who offer the requested information may prefer to remain anonymous. However, contact information is critical to verifying the offered information and to ensure we avoid duplicative accounting. Information collected will help our organizations assess the true economic implications and develop responsive action plans. Thank you for your help in giving our community the information it needs to prepare, resist and respond to federal transition actions that impact the Boulder region’s government funded agencies, local businesses and our economy! The survey webpage also will serve as a resource for data analysis on the economic and workforce impacts to the Boulder region of federal administrative actions during this transition period. Support resources and information also will be available, and updated regularly, on this web page to assist both affected employees and agencies.   “Every transition in presidential administration occasions adjustments in priorities with implications for federal funding and policies that concern institutions and businesses in Boulder,” said Boulder Chamber President and CEO John Tayer. “The scope and scale of changes we are witnessing during this current transition period, though, are unprecedented and call for a full understanding of the regional consequences and the development of effective responses. In collaboration with CO-LABS, Workforce Boulder County and other partners, the Boulder Chamber wants to make sure we’re doing everything we can to resist detrimental impacts for our local workforce and the critical research and government functions they perform, while providing effective relief and support. It’s important to note, as we confront the current administrative transition actions, that federally funded research, government services and business collaboration in the Boulder region account for over $2.3 billion in economic activity and support a workforce of over 12,000 employees.”   Speaking on behalf of CO-LABS, Executive Director Dan Powers had this to offer: “The scientific research occurring at federal labs in Boulder and the Front Range ensure our most basic societal needs are provided for, such as clean water, food production, extreme weather mitigation and public health programs. Research in Boulder labs and institutes also serve our country’s more aspirational goals in quantum computing, renewable energy provision, bioscience, aerospace technologies and much more. We’re alarmed at the Administration’s legally dubious funding freezes, indiscriminate layoffs and unclear Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) processes that have caused turmoil in our national research agencies and hobbled projects with private-sector partners. This is a self-inflicted setback to the United States’ innovation leadership that our country cannot afford.”   “Even worse is the intangible effect of losing deeply talented and brilliant scientists and dedicated public servants. As was discussed on February 5, 2025 at a Congressional Space, Science and Technology Committee hearing on U.S. Competitiveness, America’s global leadership position in the majority of the critical technology fields has been overtaken by China. The U.S. still holds the clear lead in 7 of 64 technology categories, whereas China is currently leading in the rest.”   “Without a commitment to scientific research, the United States risks falling behind further in critical scientific domains. As federal research investment is the foundation of our national economic prosperity, the dissolution of knowledge from our country’s scientific agencies and universities will further enable global competitors, and weaken our international standing in science - this is ultimately a national security issue.”   According to Workforce Boulder County Executive Director Erin Jones , “Workforce Boulder County (WfBC) is here to support our community through employment disruptions and to navigate the way to activate the connections between talent and employers.” See the survey page>>> About CO-LABS CO-LABS, incorporated in 2007, is a 501(c)3 non-profit consortium of federally funded scientific laboratories, research universities and colleges, business leaders and economic development experts organized to nurture and champion Colorado as a global leader in scientific research, technology, and related commercialization of discoveries. Through lab tour, events, economic analyses, strategic communications and networking activities we work to: • PROMOTE Colorado’s research ecosystem as a global center in research and technology • EDUCATE the public about the labs’ impact and importance of sustained funding for research • CONNECT the labs, universities and businesses to facilitate partnerships and technology transfer See more at www.co-labs.org . About the Boulder Chamber The Boulder Chamber is the leader that strengthens business and advances economic vitality to cultivate strong communities in the Boulder region. With 120 years of dedicated service to its members and the Boulder community, the Boulder Chamber’s flagship programs work together on behalf of members and the community to holistically elevate the region’s vitality. Whether you’re looking for economic data, help navigating—or advocating—local policy, or something else entirely, Your Chamber does that. For more information, visit boulderchamber.com. About Workforce Boulder County WfBC’s mission is to drive employment and education opportunities that enrich individual growth, economic health, and community connection. Our vision in Boulder County is a flourishing community where everyone including businesses have an abundant opportunity for meaningful employment.

Buried sensors connected to tripods monitor soil moisture and how much heat from the Sun is being absorbed into the ground. In the space between the towers and the ground sensors, various lidar instruments use laser beams to profile wind, water vapor, and temperature. A large Doppler weather radar called S-Pol scans the atmosphere – rotating back and forth, stopping short of a full 360° rotation to provide a slice of airspace for a flock of weather drones to fly uninhibited. Many of these instruments are part of a prototype demonstration from scientists at the U.S. National Science Foundation National Center for Atmospheric Research (NSF NCAR) for a proposed sensor network called the LOwer Troposphere Observing System (LOTOS). LOTOS – pronounced like the Lotus flower – aims to improve observations of the troposphere, the lowest region of Earth's atmosphere, by simultaneously sampling the atmosphere horizontally and vertically. Weather drones can help fill in gaps in observations from other instruments. During the LOTOS demonstration, the company GreenSight provided temporary use of weather drones they are developing. (Image: Audrey Merket/UCAR) LOTOS is envisioned to help improve high-impact weather forecasting for events like thunderstorms, high winds, heavy rainfall, hail, floods, and winter storms.“The troposphere is the most important part of the atmosphere because that's where everybody lives,” said Tammy Weckwerth, NSF NCAR scientist. “There's not one instrument or even a few instruments that are capable of giving us all the measurements that are really going to be useful to help us better understand atmospheric processes and make forecasts. The LOTOS network will allow for new studies and discoveries.” Since no single instrument can collect all the atmospheric measurements scientists need, research teams currently cobble together observations from the conglomeration of instruments they can find to try and reconstruct the current state of the atmosphere. This can include balloon launches from one location and radar observations from another, along with observations from passenger planes overhead and airport weather stations on the ground. LOTOS would not replace these means of collecting data, but it would provide a more unified and coordinated way to use multiple instruments at one location to give scientists a detailed new tool for understanding the atmosphere. Read more details>>>

The application for the 2025 Destination Startup is now open, apply by January 15, 2025: Destination Startup® brings groundbreaking startups built on novel discoveries from top national labs and universities together with investors from throughout North America to catalyze real-world impact. This showcase demonstrates a powerful way to invest in and get funding for innovative research and translate it into impactful business ventures. The event is a collaboration among leading research universities and federal laboratories across the Intermountain West to showcase the best companies from our innovation ecosystem. Startups come from these participating institutions: Arizona State University, Colorado School of Mines, Colorado State University, Montana State University, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR), University of Arizona, University of Colorado (Boulder, Anschutz, Denver and Colorado Springs), University of Denver, University of Nebraska-UMC, University of Utah and University of Wyoming. Save the date: Thursday, March 13, 2025: Destination Startup Investor Showcase More information>>> Some results from Destination Startup 2018-2024: $700+ million has been collectively raised (to date) by startups in venture, angel, strategic and grant funding. 900+ investors, business leaders and innovators from across the continent have attended. 97+ new startup companies have been launched.

December 19, 2024: CO-LABS Excecutive Director Dan Powers has sent this letter to Colorado's federal elected officials to urgently stress the negative impacts of a federal government shutdown. We appreciate our members' support in our mission to nurture the ecosystem of federally funded research in Colorado, and look forward to a constructive solution to ensure the federal government's activities remain functioning. The Honorable Joe Neguse U.S. House of Representatives 2400 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515-0602   Dear Representative Neguse,   I’m reaching you on behalf of the CO-LABS network of federally-funded research laboratories and our broad membership spectrum of science- and technology-focused companies, universities and professionals in Colorado, and in CD-2 in particular. We are deeply concerned about the possible federal government shutdown beginning Saturday, December 21, 2024. Your engagement and support of the federal research laboratories in our state is well known among our membership, and we are grateful for all the efforts you are undoubtedly making to ensure an agreement for continued funding is achieved.   As perhaps helpful context to share with your colleagues in Congress, recall that the scientific research projects and data coming from the federal labs in Colorado and across the entire country ensure our most basic societal needs are provided for, such as clean water, food production, extreme weather mitigation and public health programs. Our country’s more aspirational goals such as quantum computing, renewable energy provision and aerospace technologies are ultimately also matters of national security and any kind of government shutdown profoundly impacts our global competitiveness.   More acutely, a shutdown causes massive upheaval to federal research, hobbling projects with academic and private-sector partners. Federal employees cannot do any research, access their equipment, computers or data; they aren’t allowed to email replies, share updates or meet external deadlines as planned - it is a self-inflicted setback to the United States’ innovation leadership that our country cannot afford.   There is also the impact on employees’ lives as their pay is suspended for an unknown amount of time; even worse is the intangible effect of that uncertainly as deeply talented and brilliant scientists and dedicated public servants decide to leave government employment completely. This dissolution of knowledge from our country’s research agencies is absolutely a challenge to our international standing in science.   The range of research within more than 35 federally funded research laboratories and joint institutes in Colorado is a crucial part of our nation’s ability to function responsibly and equitably on behalf of all our citizens. We truly appreciate your efforts to ensure the federal government remains funded, and that taxpayer-funded laboratories continue to manifest the positive and inspiring benefits of science!   Sincerely, Dan Powers Executive Director CO-LABS, Inc. dan@co-labs.org   CC: Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickelooper; Representative Brittany Petersen CO CD-7 CO-LABS, incorporated in 2007, is a 501(c)3 non-profit consortium of federally funded scientific laboratories, research universities and colleges, business leaders and economic development experts organized to nurture and champion Colorado as a global leader in scientific research, technology, and related commercialization of discoveries.   Through lab tour, events, economic analyses, strategic communications and networking activities we work to: • PROMOTE Colorado’s research ecosystem as a global center in research and technology • EDUCATE the public about the labs’ impact and importance of sustained funding for research • CONNECT the labs, universities and businesses to facilitate partnerships and technology transfer See more at www.co-labs.org .

CO-LABS Media Contact: Samantha Derosier 415-972-9566 sam@swordandspark.com     2024 Governor's Awards Recognize the Best of $2B in Federally Funded Research in Colorado CO-LABS honors Colorado’s top scientists and engineers for the 14th year, presenting awards for cutting-edge science, drawn from an incomparable community of investigators and collaborators DENVER, Colo., November 20, 2024  – Representing the nation’s highest concentration of federally-funded projects and laboratories, and $2B of investments in the state, Colorado’s non-profit consortium of federal laboratories and research institutions, CO-LABS, is recognizing the top federal research projects and scientists at the 2024 Governor’s Awards tonight. CO-LABS’ membership of leading research labs and private investors will assemble to recognize their best at the Governor’s Awards on Wednesday, November 20, from 5:00 - 9:00 pm, at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. In addition to awarding three groundbreaking Colorado research projects and scientists, the event will also feature a presentation on the future of quantum technology in Colorado’s front range. Massimo Ruzzene , Vice Chancellor at University of Colorado Boulder, will talk about his Nobel prize winning team’s quantum work that is driving over $2 billion in additional private investment in the state, and adding more than 10,000 new quantum jobs. Past Governor’s Award winner, Longpath Technologies , will also update attendees on their methane monitoring technology that continues to transform the energy sector across the world. “This globally significant work being done here in Colorado brings billions of dollars of investment into our state,” said CO-LABS Executive Director Dan Powers . “The annual Governor’s Award highlights Colorado’s prestigious scientific community, and their role as a state economic driver and international research innovator.” The 2024 awards recognize brilliant and impactful partnerships, technologies and research across a spectrum of scientific fields: • Nearly half of Colorado’s 2.5 million residents live in areas facing high wildfire risk. The USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station has played a key role in implementing fire science to protect Colorado residents, and is the recipient of this year’s Pathfinder Partnership Award. The work of their Wildfire Research Team (WiRē) shows that there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to prepare fire adapted communities, and education efforts should be tailored to each community. Their approach aims to empower Colorado wildfire practitioners who work at the frontlines of risk reduction with local, relevant data to build a common foundation for successful adaptation. • Dr. Manuel "Matt” Mendoza  will receive the Outstanding Early Career Scientist Award for his groundbreaking research that senses seismic activity by firing lasers into fiber optic cables to document tremors and earthquakes. Fiber optic cables are already installed across the U.S., spanning ocean floors, but can be leased to scientists for seismic detection. Typically, researchers have used seismometers to detect earthquakes, but this new approach is a more accessible method for collecting closely spaced measurements throughout miles of a fiber optic cable. This new technology has exciting potential for seismic sensing because it could enhance the detection network at a relatively low cost, tying into massive existing systems that can withstand harsh conditions. • The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) received the Technology Transfer Award for their pioneering work revolutionizing laser science. Frequency combs are ultrafast laser systems that emit a steady stream of pulses at a stable, repeating rate. This repetition can be used as a ruler to perform precise measurements with extreme accuracy. Used in atomic clocks, gas detection and the searches for exo-planets, its implementation has been limited due to large size, expense, power consumption, and complexity. However, microcombs are miniaturized versions of the same technology that are poised to revolutionize laser applications because of their compact size, low weight, and low power consumption. Through pioneering microcomb research, the NIST team has invented methods to shrink them from large-scale laboratory systems to portable microfabricated devices. This has led to the use of microcombs in numerous innovative applications, with even more possibilities as the devices become smaller, less expensive, and more capable. ### CO-LABS  is a non-profit consortium of federal laboratories, research institutions, businesses and economic development organizations that provide financial and in-kind support for programs that promote the retention and expansion of Colorado scientific resources. Through events, economic analyses, strategic communications and networking activities we work to: • PROMOTE Colorado as a global leader in research and technology • EDUCATE the public about the labs’ impact and importance of sustained funding for research • CONNECT the labs, universities and businesses to facilitate partnerships and technology transfer To learn more, visit www.CO-LABS.org or contact Executive Director Dan Powers at awards@co-labs.org . Governor’s Awards for High Impact Research: Started in 2009, the annual Governor's Awards for High-Impact Research celebrates the brilliant ground-breaking discoveries and innovative research from Colorado’s ecosystem of federally-funded laboratories and institutions. That year, following the creation of CO-LABS in 2007, Governor Bill Ritter suggested hosting a celebratory and spotlighting event; the various labs were prompted to submit nominations and a Selection Committee was convened of professional researchers, technologists, academics and economic development experts to identify remarkable research having “high impact” on society. Each year at this event, CO-LABS spotlights the men and women creating our future through brilliant technological and engineering discoveries in aerospace, energy, agriculture, public health, weather prediction, wildlife ecology, communication, earth science and dozens of other fields of research right here in our Colorado communities. Over the years Governors Ritter, Hickenlooper, and more recently Jared Polis have congratulated and recognized winners with these awards and comments recognizing their impact on our country’s leadership in science. See more videos and information from the 2024 Awards at www.2024GovAwards.com .

October 21, 2024: Construction activity will start this month on a powerful new laser research facility located on Colorado State University’s Foothills Campus . Set to come online in mid-2026, the facility is the combined result of 40 years of laser development research at CSU in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Fusion Energy Sciences program in the Office of Science and a strategic $150 million public-private partnership with industry leader Marvel Fusion that launched in 2023.  The new building will be known as the Advanced Technology Lasers for Applications and Science (ATLAS) Facility. A major topic of research there will be laser-driven fusion as a viable clean energy source. CSU President Amy Parsons hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the facility on Wednesday that included comments from Geraldine Richmond, under secretary for science and innovation at the U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse, and Marvel Fusion CEO Moritz von der Linden, among other CSU leaders. Fusion energy is a form of power generation that aims to recreate the process that powers the sun by fusing atomic nuclei together. If successful, laser-driven fusion energy promises to safely generate practically unlimited, sustainable, carbon-free energy. When finished, the facility will feature an upgraded version of an existing ultrahigh power laser developed at CSU in combination with two new lasers provided by Marvel Fusion. The new structure will be located near existing laser research-focused buildings and will house related labs and offices. Taken together, the project is a major expansion of space and capabilities for the university.  The ATLAS Facility will be a unique cluster of high-intensity, high-repetition rate lasers that can be configured to fire simultaneously at a single fusion target. That burst will deliver nearly 7 petawatts of power – over 5,000 times the electrical generation capacity of the U.S. – into a focal spot roughly the width of a human hair for approximately 100 quadrillionths of a second. The trio of ultra high-power lasers can also be used independently and in other combinations to study questions beyond fusion energy, including key topics in fundamental research. Parsons said the university has been at the forefront of laser research for many years and the facility would support leadership in this space for many more to come.  “As a top institution recognized both for research and for sustainability, CSU is a fitting home for this facility,” she said. “We have been a leader in laser research for decades, and our faculty are advancing critical technologies. This new facility will house one of the most powerful lasers in the world and establishes CSU as a nexus for laser fusion research.” Beyond fusion and basic science research, the ATLAS Facility will also support interdisciplinary work into topics like medicine, where lasers could be used to deposit energy in a very localized region for tumor treatment. Other potential research at the facility includes microchip lithography and design and detailed X-ray imaging of rapidly moving objects, such as airplane engine turbines in full motion. The facility will also broadly support fundamental science research.  The combined existing and new facilities will now be known collectively as the Advanced Laser for Extreme Photonics (ALEPH) Center. Undersecretary Richmond highlighted the DOE’s extensive partnership with CSU around laser research in her comments at the event – particularly through the Fusion Energy Sciences program. The agency recently awarded the university $12.5 million through its LaserNetUS program in addition to another award of $16 million to start an Inertial Fusion Science and Technology hub. Those grants support research using the existing facilities on campus, including upgrades of the high-powered ALEPH laser. The DOE funding also enables outside researchers to access research facilities for free, whether they are working on fusion or any other topic – supporting activity across many key fields. “I’m excited for the important research through this private-public partnership happening with Marvel Fusion at Colorado State University,” said Richmond. “We are eager to leverage these opportunities. Laser development and experiments fit within our long-term goal of reaching fusion energy, but equally important is uncovering what we will learn in this process that will help us ultimately achieve that goal.” Read more>>>

The sixth annual  Research & Innovation Week at CU Boulder is designed to elevate awareness across campus, build a sense of shared community, create opportunities for collaboration and recognize exceptional leadership and outcomes. As a Tier 1 public research university that attracted $684 million in research funding last year, CU Boulder has a thriving ecosystem of research, scholarship and creative work. This week includes numerous tours, presentations and networking to give you a deep perspective on the incredible research across CU Boulder's institutes and academic departments. SEE THE FULL WEEK'S CALENDAR AND RSVP TODAY! Spotlight: State of the Research & Innovation Enterprise Monday, October 14, 2024 11–11:45 a.m., lunch to follow In this hour-long talk, Massimo Ruzzene , vice chancellor for research and innovation and dean of the institutes, will share significant metrics, trends, insights and aspirations from the university’s research and innovation enterprise. He’ll also provide a closer look at some of CU Boulder’s unique offerings and accomplishments from the past year. Through the Week: Engineering Lab Tours Multiple days, times and locations  Free event; no registration required Ever wonder what goes on behind all those closed lab doors? The College of Engineering and Applied Science is hosting Open Lab Tours during Research & Innovation Week. Check out some of the Engineering labs. Sign in at each lab you visit and you'll be entered in a drawing for an Amazon Gift Card! Free stickers too! Full tour details for the week .  Monday:  Center for Infrastructure, Energy and Space Testing (1–3 p.m.) Tuesday:  Gooseff Hydroecology Science & Engineering Lab (9–11 a.m.); Xu Lab (1–3 p.m.) Wednesday:  Vision, Autonomy and Decision Research (VADeR) Lab (10 a.m.–noon); Laboratory for Advanced Materials & Bioinspiration (2–4 p.m.) Thursday:  Bioastronautics Lab (9–11 a.m.) Friday:  ATLAS Research Open Labs (3–5 p.m.) Other topics include: Graduate Student Dialogue on Public and Community-Engaged Scholarship Unlocking Translational Research Funding CEAS Robotics Showcase And much more!! SEE THE FULL CALENDAR, PLEASE JOIN US THERE!

CO-LABS has another netowrk lab tour on September 26 at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) in Fort Collins. Though NWRC’s research and expertise are diverse, this tour focuses specifically on their work related to chronic wasting disease detection (CWD) and management. Current research studies include the following: · Developing tools to maximize the detection of CWD in live cervids (deer), · Investigating the potential for the emergence of new CWD strains, · Understanding behavioral changes and resource selection in CWD-infected cervids,and · Identifying the underlying mechanisms of CWD “hot spots” on the landscape. In 2022, NWRC created a new CWD research project and equipped a state-of-the-art prion laboratory. Dr. Jennifer Malmberg (DVM, PhD) oversees the CWD research project and serves on the US Dept. of Agriculture-US Dept. of the Interior CWD Steering Committee and the North American CWD Research Consortium. RSVP Required by Sept 20  - click here to register  and more info.   More about the NWRC: The National Wildlife Research Center is part of the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s Wildlife Services program. Its mission is to develop new tools and techniques to address wildlife damage to agriculture, property, human health and safety, and natural resources. Today’s wildlife-related challenges need innovative solutions. These solutions are often the result of collaborations between Wildlife Services and universities, state agencies, private companies, or other partners. As a Federal program, Wildlife Services forms partnerships through a variety of legal agreements and by protecting, patenting, and licensing inventions. It strives to put its research into real-world use by resource managers, policy makers, and the marketplace. Date: Thursday, September 26, 2024 Time: 10:30 am - 12:30 pm Location: Ft. Collins, CO RSVP required at: https://forms.gle/1Xj4eE5zacuySKFp6 Cost: free for CO-LABS members and guests Registered guests will get a separate calendar invite with further parking and agenda details.

Last chance to register for the Friends of the National Center’s Science Stride 5k is September 10! The Science Stride 5k brings together our community for a common cause: Inspiring the next generation of scientists - this event provides an excellent opportunity for everyone who believes in the importance of STEM education to come together and support Friends of the National Center. Runners and walkers of all abilities are encouraged to join. Your participation in the Science Stride 5K directly supports Friends’ mission is to inspire, support, and educate the next generation of scientists and researchers. In a world where the stability of our Earth is under increasing threat, we are committed to addressing the intricate challenges of our Earth system by ensuring that the cutting-edge research and innovation at UCAR and NSF NCAR are carried forward into the future. Are you someone who wants to support our work from afar? Please see the Race Info page for details about joining our Virtual 5k as well. About the Friends: The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) established Friends of the National Center as an alumni and community engagement program in support of UCAR’s Community Programs and the U.S. National Science Foundation National Center for Atmospheric Research. Friends’ mission extends to fundraising for science education, early-career initiatives, diversity, equity and inclusion programs, and innovation.

August 12, 2024: CO-LABS members toured the research labs of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) , located in Boulder, Colorado, and learned about their partnership with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Public Safety Communications Research Division (PSCR). The First Responder Network Authority, (or the FirstNet Authority), is an independent agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) that oversees FirstNet, the nation’s communications network dedicated to emergency responders and the public safety community. On this tour, we saw four demonstrations: 1.) Compact Rapid Deployables 2.) User Interface User Experience 3.) Location-Based Services 4.) Mission Critical Voice We also looked at security platforms and protocols. One interactive demo simulated a gas leak detection in VR to better understand how new tools and technology can assist firefighters with their jobs. The visit included a tour of the Public Safety Immersive Test Center (PSITC) The PSITC provides opportunities to conduct immersive public safety standards and measurements testing. It allows for limitless virtual environments for testing and demonstration purposes, including scenarios for triage, search and rescue, indoor navigation, and situational awareness. The test center includes: - A modular layout - A motion capture system with 65 high-speed optical tracking cameras capable of centimeter accuracy - A variety of augmented and virtual reality headsets - A mobile staircase and other equipment for z-axis motion - Physical furniture and gear to add a tactile component to simulations NIST PSCR plans to update the space regularly with enhancements such as haptics and metrology, 5G, edge computing, WebXR capabilities (which allow virtual and augmented realities to be combined), and other technological advances for public safety operations. The PSITC will also integrate technologies from other PSCR research areas like the Internet of Things (IoT) and analytics for use in research, development, and demonstration purposes.” We are excited to see the potential this facility holds for advancing communications technology for public safety!