- Author: Pamela Kan-Rice
The California Institute for Water Resources is pleased to announce its 2023-25 Request for Proposals for junior investigators.
Funded projects are slated to begin Sept. 1. Please note that the funding period may fluctuate and is based on budget appropriations.
The deadline for submission is Feb. 28 at 5 p.m.
Visit the CIWR website to download the RFP (ciwr.ucanr.edu/Request_for_Proposals/), including budget request and justification forms.
- Author: Deanne Meyer
As the week begins, we reflect on the great work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King was known for his non-violent ways to promote civil rights and his use of civil disobedience. He was a strategist as he chose how and where to hold protests. His actions were instrumental in passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the Fairy Housing Act of 1968. Sadly, his life was brutally cut short on April 4, 1968, at the age of 39. Although nothing can bring him back, there is an awe inspiring memorial in Washington D.C. to encourage all who visit to remain vigilant in working toward a more equitable Country, void of discrimination. I highly recommend viewing the memorial in daylight and at night.
"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly." Letter from Birmingham, Alabama jail, April 16, 1963.
The rains continue to pummel California with snow amassing considerable amounts at elevation. Floods have closed roads, left mud and debris when waters recede and resulted in deaths. Many trees have lost limbs or completely come out of the ground. One newscaster this last week mentioned we were expecting ARBORgeddon since there were far more trees needing to be removed than arborists available to do the work. I talked with a cousin who said there were still trees on cars in a Sacramento neighborhood. The loss from these many storms has taken their toll physically as well as emotionally. Of course, a few days of sunshine (or at least no rain) will make for easier cleanup. Let's keep the temperatures cool enough to keep the snow on the mountains at least until the rivers slow down. Our thoughts are with those who are managing the aftermath of storm related issues.
A mycologist's delight after recent rains.
Dr. Erik Porse joined ANR on Wednesday as our new director of the California Institute for Water Resources. We are excited to have a director with strong experience in science and policy. Erik's recent research with scientists and projects has addressed state and federal goals for safe drinking water, efficient urban water use, sustainable groundwater management, water reuse, beneficial uses of stormwater, and environmental finance. Stop by his office at our 2nd Street Building in Davis and introduce yourself.
One of the highlights of last week was meeting with Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Califf and staff, and California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Ross and her staff to discuss how to implement soon to be released rules to make our food supply safer. There are over 300,000 farmers who grow leafy green vegetables. California's share is 20,000 and our many trade organizations involved with leafy greens production are eager to begin work. It takes local people who are connected and trusted to translate regulations to growers for adoption. UC ANR Advisors are trusted, connected and practical. We bring the knowledge of the University of California into every county. We look forward to working with CDFA and FDA to help make our food supply even safer.
- Author: Pamela Kan-Rice
Porse has built an outstanding career in water as a research engineer with the Office of Water Programs at California State University, Sacramento and an assistant adjunct professor with UCLA's Institute of the Environment and Sustainability. His research focuses on urban and water resources management. He specializes in bringing together interdisciplinary teams to investigate complex environmental management questions.
Porse earned a Ph.D. in civil and environmental engineering (water resources) from UC Davis and a master's degree in public policy (science and technology) from George Mason University. His professional experience includes international work and teaching in Mexico, Europe, Japan and East Africa. He has authored over 50 reports and peer-reviewed articles.
“UC ANR is fortunate to have a director with broad professional experience in science and policy at the United Nations, the U.S. government, private sector firms and research laboratories,” said Deanne Meyer, UC ANR interim associate vice president for programs and strategic initiatives. “Erik's recent research has collaborated with scientists and projects addressing priority areas in the California Water Resilience Portfolio, including safe drinking water, efficient urban water use, sustainable groundwater management, water reuse, beneficial uses of stormwater, and environmental finance.”
The CIWR is the California hub of the national network of water research institutes supported by the federal Water Resources Research Act of 1964 and provides and communicates solutions to complex water issues and will serve a critical role to support applied water research that tackles large problems with systems approaches, including groundwater recharge, water rights, irrigation management, water finance, and drinking water access. The CIWR works with scientists throughout California as well as through the national network to bring defensible solutions and alternatives to California's water management community.
“Water is a necessity for life and management of water is essential for California's economy and prosperity,” Meyer said. “Porse's leadership with multidisciplinary research teams, water policy research, and integrated systems modeling will serve the CIWR and ANR for years to come.”
Porse succeeds Doug Parker, who retired in 2022 after 11 years as CIWR director.
- Author: Pamela Kan-Rice
UC ANR is excited to welcome Erik Porse as the director of the California Institute for Water Resources today (Jan. 11).
Porse has built an outstanding career in water as a research engineer with the Office of Water Programs at California State University, Sacramento and an assistant adjunct professor with UCLA's Institute of the Environment and Sustainability. His research focuses on urban and water resources management. He specializes in bringing together interdisciplinary teams to investigate complex environmental management questions.
Porse earned a Ph.D. in civil and environmental engineering (water resources) from UC Davis and a master's degree in public policy (science and technology) from George Mason University. His professional experience includes international work and teaching in Mexico, Europe, Japan and East Africa. He has authored over 50 reports and peer-reviewed articles.
UC ANR is fortunate to have a director with broad professional experience in science and policy at the United Nations, the U.S. government, private sector firms and research laboratories. Erik's recent research with scientists and projects has addressed state and federal goals for safe drinking water, efficient urban water use, sustainable groundwater management, water reuse, beneficial uses of stormwater, and environmental finance.
The CIWR is the California hub of the national network of water research institutes supported by the federal Water Resources Research Act of 1964 and provides and communicates solutions to complex water issues and will serve a critical role to support applied water research that tackles large problems with systems approaches, including groundwater recharge, water rights, irrigation management, water finance and drinking water access. The CIWR works with scientists throughout California as well as through the national network to bring defensible solutions and alternatives to California's water management community.
Water is a necessity of life and water management is essential for California's economy and prosperity. Porse's leadership with multidisciplinary research teams, water policy research, and integrated systems modeling will serve the CIWR and ANR for years to come.
Porse will be located at UC ANR's 2nd Street Building in Davis. Please join me in welcoming Erik to UC ANR.
Deanne Meyer
Interim Associate Vice President for Programs and Strategic Initiatives
- Author: Pamela Kan-Rice
This year, proposals are requested in the Junior Investigator category only. Funding is for up to two years. One-year proposals may request up to a total of $15,000, and two-year proposals may request up to $25,000 with a maximum of $15,000 in a given year.
Please note that the funding period may fluctuate and is contingent on state and federal budget appropriations.
The 2020-21 water resources research proposals are due Oct. 30, 2020, at 5 p.m.