Search Results

BOULDER, CO – November 4, 2025 – CO-LABS, Colorado's independent advocate for federally funded research, today launched its first-ever public fundraising campaign to safeguard the state's innovation powerhouse in the face of unprecedented federal budget cuts and staff reductions threatening Colorado's 35+ federally funded laboratories and research institutes.   The campaign, "Support Our Federal Labs. Protect Our Future," aims to raise $250,000 to expand CO-LABS' advocacy operations and launch critical new programs designed to preserve Colorado's scientific talent, research assets, and economic competitiveness during a time of crisis.   The campaign officially launches today, November 4, 2025 - Election Day - as a powerful statement that Colorado votes for science. Donations at all levels are welcome and tax-deductible: $50  helps connect a researcher with an industry partner $250  brings scientists together at community events $1,000  expands advocacy efforts protecting critical research programs Supporters can donate at www.co-labs.org/donate or visit the campaign page at givebutter.com/COLABS .   "Colorado's federal labs contribute over $2 billion annually to our economy and support 17,000 jobs," said Dan Powers, Executive Director of CO-LABS. "From wildfire prediction to quantum computing, from clean energy to public health, these labs are driving discoveries that touch every Coloradan's life. With devastating federal defunding threatening this foundation, we're stepping up our advocacy and creating new pathways for everyday citizens to participate in protecting this world-class ecosystem."   Meeting This Historic Challenge Since early 2025, Colorado's federal research community has faced substantial budget cuts, program shutdowns, and workforce reductions. In response, CO-LABS has adjusted its mission to focus on preserving the people, equipment, and data across Colorado's federal facilities—an existential challenge requiring expanded resources and a new revenue model independent of member lab dues.   "Our member labs are facing unprecedented budget constraints," explained Powers. "The most responsible action is to provide CO-LABS support and membership services during this crisis period to all federal agencies, regardless of whether they can pay membership dues. This campaign allows us to do exactly that."   New Programs Launch to Address Crisis The campaign will fund several critical initiatives launched in October 2025: Commercialize Colorado  – A unified initiative transforming how entrepreneurs and businesses access federal lab resources, featuring: The RIN Portal : An AI-powered platform developed in partnership with TechStars company Earlii that inventories and organizes research assets, equipment, and expertise across Colorado's federal facilities The Colorado Talent Retention Program : A rapid-response network matching displaced lab scientists and technical staff with Colorado employers to keep brilliant minds in the state   Enhanced Advocacy Operations – Expanded coordination among lab directors, elected officials, civic leaders, and economic development experts to navigate funding challenges and protect critical research programs.   Community Convening  – Roundtables bringing together elected leaders, civic officials and scientists to problem-solve collaboratively, plus continuation of CO-LABS' signature lab tours that have connected over 1,000 people with Colorado's research community since 2017.   Examples of Research We Must Protect: Colorado's federal labs conduct world-changing research that directly impacts lives: NIST Public Safety Communications Research revolutionizing emergency response and next-generation 911 systems CDC Division of Vector-Borne Diseases tracking and preventing diseases like West Nile virus, plague, and Lyme disease through surveillance, research, and rapid response to emerging threats NSF National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) operated by Battelle, collecting standardized ecological data from 81 field sites nationwide to understand how climate change, land use, and invasive species affect biodiversity and ecosystem health across decades METEC (Methane Emissions Technology Evaluation Center) at Colorado State University Testing and validating methane detection technologies in realistic oil and gas facility settings, helping industry and regulators reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy system transparency. NSF Ice Core Facility  storing 10 miles of ice cores revealing Earth's climate history spanning hundreds of thousands of years National Renewable Energy Laboratory  driving America's clean energy transition and reducing renewable energy costs NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center protecting electrical grids, GPS systems, and communications networks from solar storms USDA Center for Agricultural Resources Research preserving critical genetic resources ensuring America's food security CIRES (Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences) at CU Boulder Advancing climate and environmental science through satellite data, field research, and modeling to predict wildfires, water availability, and air quality—empowering policymakers and communities to adapt to a changing planet.   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 commercialization of discoveries.   As an independent advocacy organization, CO-LABS receives no federal funding and has historically operated through volunteer support and member lab dues. Through lab tours, events, economic analyses, strategic communications, and networking activities, CO-LABS works to promote Colorado's research ecosystem, educate the public about labs' impact, and connect labs, universities, and businesses to facilitate partnerships and technology transfer.   For more information, visit www.co-labs.org or commercialize.co-labs.org .

CO-LABS panelists and guests at the Sept. 18, 2025 Colorado Startup Week September 18, 2025: CO-LABS' Colorado Startup Week panel showcased how entrepreneurs are leveraging Colorado's unique concentration of federal research facilities to build breakthrough companies. The discussion featured four leaders who demonstrated the untapped potential within our state's innovation ecosystem. Poolad Imany ( Icarus Quantum ) shared how his company spun out from National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) while licensing joint IP with University of Colorado Boulder, emphasizing that quantum computing applications are just 3-5 years away rather than perpetually "10 years out." Marta Zgagacz ( Venture Partners at CU Boulder ) highlighted how CU beat MIT in startup creation last year with 35 spinouts, largely due to their Embark program that matches external entrepreneurs with university technology and doesn't require academic affiliation. Cynthia Ritmiller ( U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) demonstrated how federal data serves as free infrastructure for diverse industries from aviation safety to wildfire management to roadways and infrastructure, with USGS actively seeking partnerships. Joseph E Hovancak ( Boulder Chamber, now with Caruso Ventures) emphasized the global competition for Colorado's talent ecosystem, with international companies relocating here specifically to access federal lab resources and the AI/quantum convergence driving companies like Quantinuum ($600M funding) and Infleqtion (recent IPO). Dan Powers described that Colorado hosts 35+ federal labs with licenseable IP, funding opportunities, publications, staffing, equipment, and datasets that most entrepreneurs don't know exist. Joe highllighted that CO-LABS serves as the "GPS system" for navigating these resources, providing access to assets across facilities like NIST, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, NREL, NSF, NCAR, and JILA. AND: CO-LABS' new AI-powered tool allows entrepreneurs to search federal lab capabilities using natural language, connecting them with the specific research, equipment, and expertise they need. For technology professionals looking to commercialize deep tech innovations or access world-class research facilities, CO-LABS membership provides the key to unlocking Colorado's federal laboratory ecosystem. Apply for CO-LABS membership today ! Key Themes and Insights: 1. Federal Labs as Innovation Catalysts The panel emphasized how Colorado's federal laboratory ecosystem serves as a unique advantage for startups and entrepreneurs. The state hosts numerous federal research facilities including NIST, NREL, USGS, and joint institutes like JILA at CU Boulder, creating an unprecedented concentration of research resources. Joe Hovancak  ( Boulder Chamber /Caruso Ventures) highlighted this as a global competitive advantage, noting that international companies from Canada, India, and Germany are actively considering relocating to Colorado specifically to access this talent pool and ecosystem. He emphasized that rebuilding these capabilities would take years if lost, making them irreplaceable assets for the region's innovation economy. 2. Quantum and AI: The Convergence Opportunity Multiple panelists identified the intersection of quantum computing and artificial intelligence as Colorado's most rapidly accelerating industry sector. Poolad Imany  ( Icarus Quantum ) provided clarity on quantum technologies, explaining they encompass three areas: computing, sensing, and communications. He addressed the common misconception that quantum computing is purely science fiction, stating that practical applications are "three to five years away" rather than perpetually "10 years away." He emphasized that the quantum advantage is a question of "when, not if." Joe Hovancak reinforced this momentum, citing recent success stories: Quantinuum receiving $600 million in funding Inflection (formerly ColdQuanta) going public Invadabioscience securing a $150 million grant for AI/quantum applications in plant disease treatment Basic Quantum raising $5 million in Series A funding 3. University-Industry Partnership Models Marta Zgagacz  ( CU Boulder Venture Partners ) showcased how academic institutions can effectively bridge research and commercialization. CU Boulder achieved a record 35 startup spinouts in the previous year, even surpassing MIT in startup creation. Key programs enabling this success include: The Embark Deep Tech Startup Creator program, which matches external entrepreneurs with university technology Access to jointly-owned IP between CU Boulder and federal labs like NIST Comprehensive support from founder education through proof-of-concept funding to VC connections She highlighted that entrepreneurs don't need university affiliation to access these resources, making the ecosystem more inclusive and accessible. 4. Data as Infrastructure for Innovation Cynthia Ritmiller  ( USGS ) demonstrated how federal data resources serve as free, high-quality infrastructure for startups across diverse industries. USGS lidar and elevation data supports applications in: Aviation safety and infrastructure planning Wildfire management and forestry Flood mapping and emergency response Transportation and urban planning Archaeological surveys She emphasized that USGS actively seeks partnerships and can match funding up to 50% for projects aligned with agency missions, making collaboration accessible even for unfunded startups. 5. Ecosystem Building and Collaboration The panel consistently emphasized that Colorado's advantage lies not in individual institutions but in their interconnectedness. Joe Hovancak described the evolution from a Boulder-centric focus to a regional Colorado approach, recognizing that cross-collaboration between Denver, Boulder, and other areas strengthens the entire ecosystem. Successful ecosystem-building initiatives mentioned include: The Boulder Founders Summit with 200+ attendees Cross-pollination between startups, where founders help each other with connections and resources The Chamber's New Venture Challenge providing practical support for early-stage founders CO-LABS serving as a "GPS" system to navigate federal lab resources 6. Practical Access Points for Entrepreneurs The panelists provided concrete guidance for entrepreneurs seeking to engage with these resources: Federal Labs: Contact CO-LABS for navigation and connections across the 35+ labs in Colorado CU Boulder: The Embark program and licensing opportunities are open to external entrepreneurs USGS: Direct outreach to National Map Liaisons for data partnerships and collaboration Ecosystem Support: Boulder Chamber, SBDC, and various networking events provide entry points 7. Funding and Commercialization Strategies Poolad Imany  shared insights about the funding journey for deep tech startups, particularly those emerging from federal labs. He emphasized that non-dilutive funding (grants) can be crucial for early-stage deep tech companies, allowing time for product-market fit development while entrepreneurs learn business fundamentals. However, he acknowledged that grant processes are significantly slower than venture capital, requiring strategic planning. The panel also noted that VCs often direct companies back to grants if the technology isn't sufficiently de-risked or if product-market fit isn't established, making grants a valuable stepping stone rather than just an alternative funding source. Conclusion: The panel painted a picture of Colorado as uniquely positioned at the intersection of federal research capabilities, university innovation, and entrepreneurial ecosystem support. The combination of world-class research facilities, accessible technology transfer programs, comprehensive data resources, and collaborative community infrastructure creates conditions for breakthrough companies in quantum computing, AI, and other deep tech sectors. The overarching message was that these resources are more accessible than many entrepreneurs realize, with multiple pathways for engagement regardless of current institutional affiliations. The key is understanding how to navigate the ecosystem and building relationships across the various stakeholders who are actively working to support startup success. Apply for CO-LABS membership today !

CO-LABS offers an enthusiastic welcome to Jud Virden, PhD, the new incoming Director of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Dr Virden will officially join NREL in this role on Oct. 1, 2025.Virden joins NREL from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), where he has served as associate laboratory director for the Energy and Environment Directorate since 2011. In that role, he led approximately 1,700 scientists, engineers, and staff advancing DOE’s applied energy priorities—ranging from power grid modernization and energy technologies to nuclear and environmental management. Jud Virden, PhD The CO-LABS community is excited to engage with Dr. Virden's team and be a resource and champion for their priorities and the crucial mission of NREL. Dr. Virden will succeed Dr. Martin Keller, who has served as NREL’s laboratory director since 2015. Under Dr. Keller’s leadership, NREL has experienced record growth in funding, talent, and impact—cementing its role as a global leader in energy research and innovation. He will continue at the laboratory as a strategic advisor through early November to ensure a smooth transition. Dr. Keller will then leave the laboratory for his new role as president of the Helmholtz Association in Berlin, Germany. “Martin led with vision, thoughtfulness, and unwavering integrity,” Colrain and Alvarez said. “His leadership left an enduring mark on NREL’s legacy and future. We thank him for his extraordinary service and look forward to seeing the continued impact of his work in the global research community.” NREL—the National Renewable Energy Laboratory—is the U.S. Department of Energy’s primary national laboratory for energy systems research, development, and integration. NREL is managed and operated for the U.S. Department of Energy by a partnership led by MRIGlobal and Battelle.

Artificial intelligence (AI) could accelerate scientific discovery by helping researchers to more quickly gather data, search that data for patterns, and—eventually—generate insights that researchers might have missed. Yet, leading experts in AI, materials science, chemistry, and robotics who gathered at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory emphasized that fully realizing the potential of autonomous experimentation requires not only speeding scientific discovery but also reshaping the entire research-to-industry pipeline. Photo by Agata Bogucka, NREL In May 2025, NREL convened the Autonomous Research for Real-World Science (ARROWS) workshop . The event brought together more than 50 leaders in materials science, chemistry, AI, and robotics to consider how autonomous systems could help overcome long-standing bottlenecks in scientific discovery and translation to industry. Through presentations, lab tours, and collaborative discussions, participants identified new opportunities for collaboration—and surfaced critical challenges that must be addressed to make autonomous science widely useful. At the workshop, discussions converged on four key pillars that are needed to make AI an impactful partner in the lab. Metrics for Real-World Impact: Developing new AI reward functions and metrics that emphasize cost, manufacturability, and resource efficiency. Intelligent Tools for Causal Understanding : Shifting from correlation-focused machine learning toward causal models that provide deep, physics-based insights. Modular, Interoperable Infrastructure : Overcoming barriers posed by legacy equipment and proprietary data formats through modular workflows and standardized platforms for data sharing. Closing the Loop from Theory to Manufacturing : Using agent-based AI models to connect theory, synthesis, characterization, and scale-up in a continuous learning cycle. Workshop attendees are drafting an upcoming scientific article to detail the largest opportunities for autonomous science and to provide a comprehensive roadmap for researchers, industry partners, and policymakers aiming to harness autonomous experimentation. Read the full article>>>

Calling all supporters of science and South by Southwest fans: help us get the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR), Longpath Technologies, and Jonah Energy confirmed to present a panel discussion at the 2026 SXSW conference in Austin! Their proposed discussion is “Climate Science + Industry: Collabs for Innovation & Impact.” This session sits at the nexus of science and industry, connecting real-world industries to research breakthroughs that benefit the economy and society. Click here to vote for them . The Panel Picker community voting process is open until August 24—this is when folks from the community can vote on which presentations they'd like to see, and organizers take the votes into consideration when choosing. You do not have to be attending SXSW to vote —you simply need to create a login for the Panel Picker. Speakers include: Tracey Holloway Professor and Director of the Nelson Enterprise University of Wisconsin–Madison Christine Wiedinmeyer Director, UCAR Community Programs University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) Greg Rieker CTO & Co-Founder; Professor LongPath Technologies , Inc.; University of Colorado-Boulder Howard Dieter VP of Environment, Health and Safety Jonah Energy

CO-LABS is glad to promote this fantastic opportunity organized by the Coloado Small Business Development Center: RSVP Required - click here today! ! Connect with more than 400 attendees and over 30 agency and organization exhibitors with upcoming contracting needs Choose from 6 tracks and over 20 panels, presentations, and workshops with local and national government agencies, national labs, corporate, and advanced industries focused on certifications, registrations, and the ins and outs of contracting such as: How to do business with Lockheed Martin How to do business with the City of Boulder Certifications Training by the OEDIT Minority Business Office Government Registrations 101 CO-LABS is proud to spotlight our Board Director Ed Kase will be presenting on SBIR Basics and Searching for SBIR Topics! Attend the multilingual track to learn and receive the same information presented in English in Spanish Engage directly with 30 exhibitors , round table discussions, one-on-one meeting opportunities, and learn about upcoming procurement needs from companies and organizations This event is for small- to mid-sized businesses that are: Searching for new income streams New to contracting—here’s your opportunity to learn the ropes from experienced contractors and experts Experienced with contracting—grow your contact list, find new opportunities through networking, and curated meeting opportunities with the contracting organizations. All small businesses are ready to learn more about and how to apply for federal, state, and local certifications and small business contracting programs Excited for a full day of networking with other businesses for partnership opportunities Companies in the Advanced Industries interested in learning more about SBIR preparation    REGISTRATION REQUIRED - CLICK HERE TODAY .

This is an excerpt from the Research Colorado by BizWest article written by Robert Davis . See the full article and more about research news in Colorado here. President Donald Trump’s efforts to significantly reduce federal funding for scientific research threaten to shake up Colorado’s economy. NOAA Earth System Research Laboratory in Boulder, CO Over the past decades, Colorado has become a national leader in scientific research because of the state’s university system, strong scientific workforce pipeline, and increasing amount of investment capital flowing into the market. Last year, the University of Colorado and Colorado State University systems combined to attract a record-breaking $2.1 billion in total research funding. Colorado also boasts one of the highest concentrations of federal labs in the country, with 34 federal research institutions located in the state. But that market faces significant threats from declining federal grant funding. On March 26, the Department of Health and Human Services canceled more than $12 billion in grants for infectious disease, mental health and addiction treatment. The move could cause Colorado to lose more than $230 million in COVID-19-related grants for state and local health departments. A federal judge temporarily blocked the cuts to research grants on April 3 after 23 states and the District of Columbia sued the Trump administration, but the future of the funding remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Trump unilaterally capped overhead costs for grants from the National Institutes of Health at 15%, a move that cost universities and research institutions millions in rent and administrative costs. Even though that move was also temporarily halted by federal judges, it still created significant uncertainty throughout the scientific community. Dan Powers, executive director of CO-LABS, a nonprofit consortium of federally funded labs in Colorado, told BizWest that the impact of the Trump administration’s moves to cut research funding is still unfolding. Even so, they will be widely felt across several industries. “If you think of the technologies and information we use today, such as getting our weather forecasts, using our cell phones, trusting the equipment in hospitals for cancer treatment or other emergency surgeries, the ability to trust the food that we are picking up every day in the grocery stores–all of these conveniences that we take for granted have tap roots, often of decades to research and discoveries and ongoing analysis in federal research labs,” Powers said. READ the full article at Research Colorado by BizWest>>> The impact of declining federal scientific funding will be felt across the state, and the Boulder Valley and Northern Colorado could face a significant disruption. The area is home to federal labs, as well as the University of Colorado Boulder and Colorado State University, two of the preeminent research universities in the country. Colorado’s economy relies on scientific research, with federally funded research producing an economic impact of about $2.3 billion annually and 12,000 jobs, according to CO-LABS, with labs concentrated in Boulder, Jefferson and Larimer counties. CO-LABS’s estimate take into account the economic impact of federal labs such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Institute of Standards and Technology and National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Division of Vector Borne Diseases in Fort Collins; and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, among others. On Feb. 11, Trump issued a directive for federal agencies to implement “large-scale reductions in staff” and to submit their staff reduction plans within a month. The Department of Veterans Affairs has said it seeks to reduce its workforce by 80,000 employees. The Department of Health and Human Services has proposed eliminating up to 10,000 jobs, including 4,700 job cuts between the National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration. NOAA could lose another 1,000 employees after a round of firings that began in early March. “These reckless mass terminations and the administration’s unilateral gutting of federal agencies are already causing deep harm to our country and communities right here in Colorado,” Rep. Joe Neguse , who represents Boulder County, said in a statement. “They will undoubtedly have disastrous ramifications for the scientists and experts working right here in our very own backyard to ensure accurate forecasting, issue severe weather alerts and provide the community with emergency information. READ the full article at Research Colorado by BizWest>>>

CO-LABS has joined with the Energy Sciences Coalition (ESC) to urge Congress to appropriately fund the the Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) and not implement the 57% cut proposed in the Trump Administration’s FY 2026 budget request. The Energy Sciences Coalition (ESC) is a broad-based coalition of organizations representing scientists, engineers and mathematicians in universities, industry and national laboratories who are committed to supporting and advancing the scientific research programs of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and in particular, the DOE Office of Science. We join in this statement with the University of Colorado Boulder along with dozens of science and research organizations and universities such as the Society for Science at User Research Facilities, Georgia Institute of Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, IEEE-USA, Materials Research Society, Michigan State University, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Princeton University, American Geophysical Union, Association of American Universities, Association of Public and Land-grant Universities and many others. We recognize that ARPA-E is an integral component of the U.S. R&D ecosystem. It has a demonstrated, 15-year track record of success in helping commercialize high-risk, high-reward energy technologiesand sustained and increased funding for ARPA-E is crucial to win the global technology race and ensure U.S. energy dominance. Modeled after the Department of Defense’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), ARPA-E’s key to success has been dynamic program managers with innovative science and technology backgrounds and flexibility to pivot to meet new challenges and opportunities, rigorous program review, active project management, and results-oriented commercialization goals. Read the full Energy Sciences Coalition statement at this PDF download link: ARPA-E features a broad portfolio of high-risk, high-reward research with rigorous program design and agile, active management practices. It also focuses on results and market transitions, ensuring promising projects are not stranded. ARPA-E also emphasizes the creation and nurture of active communities of technology experts. Since its inception, ARPA-E has supported 1,700 cutting-edge energy technology projects at small businesses, national labs, and research universities in nearly every state. 258 projects have attracted nearly $15 billion in private-equity follow-on funding, 167 new U.S.-based companies have been created, and 34 companies have market valuations of over $22 billion from mergers, acquisitions, and initial public offerings. Read more from the Association of American Universities report .

The   Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere   at   Colorado State University   is one of   NOAA: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration ’s 16 cooperative institutes across the nation. It serves as a nexus for multi-disciplinary research between NOAA scientists and Colorado State University research staff, faculty and students along themes that match both federal priorities and the long-standing academic strengths of the university. This partnership positions CSU as one of the top atmospheric programs in the country, with a shared research portfolio in key areas such as: satellite remote sensing, tropical storm research, carbon cycle and numerical model studies, fire weather forecasting and detection, and development of artificialintelligence tools. CIRA has been heavily involved with developing new tools for characterization of fire. What’s important: learning from the past, applying science and research toward new tools that can help avoid repeating history in the future. See the video spotlight below. Read more details about this research at CIRA>>>

The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) and Friends of the National Center invite you to a community event exploring the scientific legacy of NSF NCAR's first director, Walter Orr Roberts. Guest experts will share the history of his pioneering solar research with the High Altitude Observatory (HAO) in Climax, Colorado, the HAO lab's current research activities at NSF NCAR, and a unique take on interpreting solar data through movement. As a reminder, each attendee (whether virtual or in-person) must register individually. Join in person at the NSF NCAR Mesa Lab to enjoy appetizers and explore the special photography exhibit by presenter Hanna Rose Shell prior to the event, or participate virtually through the livestream. Friday, April 25, 5:00 - 7:30 p.m. MDT 5:00pm-5:30pm - Welcome and appetizers 5:30pm-6:00pm - Hanna Rose Shell: Conversations on the Plurality of Worlds: Walter Orr Roberts and the Climax High Altitude Observatory (Hanna's work is supported by the CU Boulder Office for Public and Community-Engaged Scholarship) 6:00pm-6:15pm - Sarah Gibson: NSF NCAR's High Altitude Observatory Today 6:15pm-6:30pm - Alexandra Lockhart: Heliophysics Embodied 6:30pm-7:00pm - Panel Q&A with all speakers 7:00pm-7:30pm - Closing and exhibit viewing Registration required - CLICK HERE

Dr. Bethany Ehlmann , currently a professor of planetary science at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and Director of Caltech’s Keck Institute for Space Studies, will begin her role as LASP’s Director on September 1, 2025 . Dr. Ehlmann will also hold the roles of Provost Chair in the Research and Innovation Office, Professor of Geological Sciences, and affiliate Professor of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences. “We are honored to welcome Dr. Ehlmann, an accomplished scientist, scholar and leader, to the University of Colorado Boulder,” said Senior Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation and Dean of the Institutes Massimo Ruzzene . “Dr. Ehlmann's expertise and compelling vision will be invaluable for LASP as it carries forward CU Boulder's legacy as a leading institution in the space sciences.” “It’s an honor to be appointed to lead such a distinguished institution as LASP, with its long history of innovation in the space sciences,” said Ehlmann. “I’m excited to embrace this opportunity to work alongside LASP’s dedicated employees and leadership team to advance LASP’s mission and vision and to help guide this renowned institution into the future." Ehlmann’s research focuses on water in the solar system, the evolution of habitable worlds, and remote sensing techniques and instruments for planetary missions. She is a science team member of multiple missions, including the Earth-orbiting EMIT imaging spectrometer; the Jupiter-bound Europa Clipper, which carries the LASP-built Europa Surface Dust Analyzer (SUDA) instrument; the Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover; the Mars2020 Perseverance rover; and the upcoming ExoMars rover. She is the principal investigator of Lunar Trailblazer, a NASA small satellite mission to study water on the Moon that launched earlier this year. Previously, she was a science team member for the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter CRISM instrument, the Dawn mission during its exploration of the asteroid Ceres, and the Mars Exploration Rovers Spirit and Opportunity. Active in science policy and outreach, Ehlmann is president of the board of directors of The Planetary Society. She served as a member of the National Academies Planetary Science and Astrobiology Decadal Survey and the National Academies Committee on Astrobiology and Planetary Science. She is a fellow of both the American Geophysical Union and the Mineralogical Society of America, and has authored a children's book, “Dr. E's Super Stellar Solar System,” with National Geographic. Ehlmann earned a bachelor’s degree from Washington University where she double majored in Earth & Planetary Sciences and Environmental Studies with a minor in math; two master’s degrees from the University of Oxford, in environmental change & management and geography; and master’s and doctoral degrees in geological sciences from Brown University. “On behalf of LASP, I’d like to extend our congratulations to Dr. Ehlmann on her appointment and welcome her to our institute, where we look forward to working with her to deliver the future of space science,” said Frank Eparvier, associate director for science at LASP, who will continue to serve as interim director until Ehlmann starts. Founded a decade before NASA, the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) at the University of Colorado Boulder is revolutionizing human understanding of the cosmos. LASP is deeply committed to inspiring and educating the next generation of space explorers. From enabling the first exploratory rocket measurements of Earth’s upper atmosphere to trailblazing observations of every planet in the solar system, LASP is at the forefront of solar, planetary and space physics research, space-weather monitoring, and the search for evidence of habitable worlds.

CO-LABS is c ollecting information about the threatened or actual budget cuts, staff layoffs, 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 officials to help mitigate and halt the destruction of our national research ecosystem.  We understand many organizations are cautious about speaking up. Your replies are anonymous unless you choose to provide contact information. CLICK HERE TO PROVIDE COMMENTS This information will NOT be shared publicly. The themes and examples we're collecting help inform our inquirires and outreach in support of the federally funded laboratory ecosystem in Colorado. Thank you, Dan Powers Exective Director CO=LABS