Annual Conference

The Great Lakes Research Consortium's annual conference provides New York and Ontario's Great Lakes researchers, students, agencies and advocates with a forum to discuss current research, academic programs, science, and policy. The conference includes student oral and poster research presentations, a poster session, a plenary session on a topic of current interest for the New York Great Lakes research community, a banquet dinner and a luncheon celebrating best student presentations.

The 2010 Great Lakes Research Consortium Annual Conference plenary session addressed the topic of “Environmental Economics and the Great Lakes”. Great Lakes ecosystem protection and restoration has been the focus of growing regional and national attention. While the environmental benefits of the restoration of the Great Lakes are very clear, less attention has been focused on the economic benefits. Yet, the Great Lakes provide an important economic foundation for the surrounding region. Panelists Sharon L. Brooks, Associate Economist, Office of General Counsel, NYS DEC; Andrew Gugliemi, Senior Attorney, Office of General Counsel, NYS DEC; and Sean Mahar of the New York State Audubon Society each addressed the following question: As we move toward greater investment in ecosystem restoration, what will be the return on our investment?

The 2011 Great Lakes Research Consortium Annual Conference will focus on successes and lessons learned during the first year of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. Speakers will include PIs from member institutions and organizations which successfully secured GLRI funding through the first RFP. The plenary session will be followed by a strategic planning session for the next round of GLRI funding. We will discuss approaches to leveraging our combined assets as a consortium to promote greater success in future rounds.