About Us
The Collaborative Institute for Oceans, Climate and Security (CIOCS) is distinguished by its unique focus on the intersections of oceans, climate and security, and the resulting policy and management significance. Founded on the principle that collaborative partnerships have the potential to better address the human and national security threats that will continue to surmount as climate and oceans drastically change, the Collaborative Institute exists to develop and communicate high-value intellectual, policy, and technical expertise to help stabilize the health of our atmosphere, marine ecosystems, and coastal communities, thereby influencing global human security, and associated national security, for all.
Humans and communities are threatened by climate-induced changes in marine and coastal ecosystems, upon which all life depends. Multiple threats such as environmental degradation, resource depletion and political instability heightened by climate change are emerging as national security issues, worldwide. With more than a third of the world’s population living within 100 miles of a coast, it is essential that the effects of climate change on oceans and humanity be better understood. Through strategic convening, research, and communication efforts the Collaborative Institute advances solutions to the complex problems and people most impacted by, or responding to, the linked ocean, climate and security challenges - preparing coastal communities for a safer, more productive, and healthy future.
The Collaborative Institute has been given enthusiastic endorsement from its prestigious Council of Advisors, Steering Committee and Signature Collaborator, Battelle Memorial Institute. As Advisor Fred Byus, Vice President of the Navy and Special Operations Market Sector at Battelle, explains, “There are inflection points in history when ‘new' thinking is required to allow human kind to evolve and adapt. Now is one of those times.” Founded in January 2010 under the leadership of Executive Director Robbin Peach, the UMass Boston Vice Provost for Research and Special Initiatives Dr. Zong-Guo Xia, Dean Steve Crosby of the McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies, Dean Andrew Grosovsky of the College of Science and Mathematics, and Dr. Robyn Hannigan, Chair of Department of Environmental Earth and Ocean Sciences, the Collaborative Institute draws on the existing entrepreneurial, policy, and ocean science strengths of UMass Boston, while strategically partnering with some of the best minds in the sector. Visionary, as well as opportunistic and flexible, the Collaborative Institute uses multi-sector engagement as a cornerstone of its work and uses public/private revenue to sustain its mission. We hope you will join us.
