About

The Center for Ocean Leadership (COL) is the newest addition to the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) Community Programs (UCP). COL connects, convenes, and supports collaboration within the ocean science, education and technology community, represented by a network of affiliate institutions from academic, non-profit, and commercial sectors.

COL coordinates and facilitates collaborative ocean science, research, education, and communication efforts between and among government agencies and ocean research and education institutions. COL programs currently focus on ocean education, observing, and stewardship.

Some of COL’s programs were previously housed in the former Consortium for Ocean Leadership which closed in 2022. The new COL continues these valuable activities, while leveraging the existing expertise and resources across UCAR for the benefit of the ocean community and expanding into emerging areas for ocean science and technology.

Vision

A collaborative and inclusive ocean community empowered to build a more sustainable future for the ocean and society.

Mission

To serve, support, and convene the ocean science, education, and technology community as a trusted, neutral, and knowledgeable broker that facilitates strategic partnerships and collaborations, advocates for solutions to meet community needs, and enables broader participation in ocean education, science, and communication.

Center for Ocean Leadership Statement on Diversity (2024)

The ocean sciences are severely lacking diversity, and action must be taken to make the field more diverse, equitable, inclusive, just, and accessible. As a community program of the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR), COL has an opportunity to demonstrate leadership in this critical effort, given our unique work to connect, convene, and support collaboration within the ocean science, education, and technology community. If we are to achieve this mission, we must take action against discrimination and harassment; leverage our position to promote all aspects of diversity, equity, and inclusion; amplify the voices of people and organizations that are fighting for these efforts; and actively engage more diverse participation in our community by building meaningful relationships. Diverse perspectives are crucial to advancing ocean science and society as a whole, and COL is committed to transparency and accountability around our internal and external initiatives concerning diversity, equity, and inclusion.