The Research & Innovation Office announced that Gijs de Boer has been named director of national laboratory partnerships, a newly established, part-time role that will focus on expanding ’s research collaborations with national laboratories.
De Boer, a senior research scientist in the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Physical Sciences Laboratory, began his two-year appointment on Nov. 1.
The national laboratories have served as leading institutions for scientific innovation since they were introduced during World War II. The Department of Energy’s 17 national laboratories, which are the primary focus for this role, utilize unique instruments and facilities to tackle the most pressing scientific challenges of our time. They address large scale, complex research and development challenges with a multidisciplinary approach that emphasizes translating basic science to innovation—making the labs ideal collaborators for ’s research community.
“Gijs brings unique perspectives to this position, having worked in national laboratories for over a decade,” said Acting Vice Chancellor for Research & Innovation Massimo Ruzzene. “His active collaborations with national laboratory partners and broad understanding of laboratory interests, priorities and capabilities provide a solid foundation for expanding the university’s engagement with laboratory partners.”
This new role will pave the way for expanded opportunities for collaboration, funding and discovery for faculty, scientists and students in a range of disciplines by:
De Boer’s current research includes the development and deployment of innovative observing technologies, including UAS, for Earth system research.
Dr. de Boer served as the chair for the(ISARRA)in 2018. He is also a US representative and vice-chair to the Atmosphere Working Group of the(IASC), a co-lead of the Atmosphere Collaboration Team of the US(IARPC), and co-lead of the US Department of Energy’s Atmospheric System Research High Latitude processes Working Group. He is a current member of the NCAR Earth Observing Laboratory Observing Facilities Assessment Panel (OFAP).
In 2016, de Boer was awarded theby President Barack Obama.
To learn more about working with DOE's national labs, or to explore expanding an existing collaboration, please email gijs.deboer@colorado.edu.