Water is the common denominator among all ecosystems and global biogeochemical cycles. As such, it serves as the focal point for research at the Center for Great Lakes Studies. The Laurentian Great Lakes collectively represent the largest body of fresh water on the surface of the earth.

In recognition of the importance of these lakes, the Center for Great Lakes Studies was established at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) in 1966. The Center, administered by the UWM Graduate School, has been designated a UWM Center of Excellence as well as UW-System Regents Center of Excellence, dedicated to research and research training related to natural waters.

From its inception, Center scientists have been involved in interdisciplinary research activities that focus on complex physical, chemical and biological processes in lakes and oceans. The product of these endeavors is a deeper understanding of the waters and their inhabitants as evolving ecosystems, responding to natural changes and to human activities. The knowledge gained from these studies has been applied to better predict and manage problems arising from the multifaceted uses of the Great Lakes ecosystem as a resource. The Center, located in the Great Lakes Research Facility on Milwaukee’s inner harbor, five miles from the UW-Milwaukee campus, provides an interdisciplinary setting for the exchange of ideas between scientists, engineers and students.