The Center for Ocean Leadership (COL) is a Community Program of the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR). 

COL advances ocean science through collaboration by serving as a trusted coordination partner for the ocean science, education, and technology community.

Ocean initiatives often span agencies, institutions, and sectors, each with distinct priorities and responsibilities. COL helps bring these efforts together—connecting and aligning academic, nonprofit, industry, and government partners to move shared priorities forward.

Through program coordination, convening, and strategic support, COL provides the structure and continuity needed to turn ideas into sustained action. Current efforts span ocean observing, education, and community engagement, including support for national and international initiatives.

COL builds on a strong foundation. Several programs were previously housed within the former Consortium for Ocean Leadership, which closed in 2022. Today, COL continues and strengthens this work while leveraging UCAR’s broader capabilities and expanding into emerging areas of ocean science and technology.

Vision

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

Mission

We connect, convene, and coordinate ocean science, education, and technology partners across sectors to advance ocean science essential to life, commerce, and human progress.

What We Do 

COL provides services that support coordination, alignment, and execution across the ocean community.

  • Partnership Building and Education: Connecting partners across sectors and supporting education and workforce development efforts that strengthen long-term capacity.
  • Strategic Management and Convening: Designing and leading engagements that bring decision-makers and technical experts together around shared priorities.
  • Program Coordination and Alignment: Providing operational leadership and structure for multi-institution efforts to ensure accountability and sustained progress.

Why Partner with COL

COL works with organizations that need coordination, alignment, and sustained support to move ocean initiatives forward.

  • Fill coordination gaps across multi-partner efforts without a single accountable lead
  • Reduce coordination burden through clear roles, governance, and implementation pathways
  • Support sustained execution from planning through delivery
  • Align partnerships and resources to strengthen collaboration and funding opportunities
  • Connect expertise across sectors to advance shared ocean priorities

Explore Our Work 

COL supports a range of national and international initiatives across ocean observing, education, and community coordination—working with partners to align efforts and advance shared priorities.

View our current project portfolio.