Abstract: The Earth Sciences & Resources Institute: University-Based Applied Geoscience Research and Technology Transfer

William H. Kanes, Steven Schamel

Since its inception in 1973, the Earth Sciences & Resources Institute (ESRI) has specialized in organizing and directing applied multidisciplinary and multi-institutional geoscience research projects worldwide. Through cooperative research with universities, government agencies, national petroleum companies, and a global network of collaborating scientists, the Institute has undertaken a broad range of major regional resource studies and site investigations. ESRI scientists have worked on-the-ground in all continents except the Antarctic, a total of more than 35 countries. Current research is focused on China, the FSU, South America, SE Asia and the United States. Many research projects have a strong training and technology transfer component which commonly involves c nventional graduate training or participation in the innovative Masters of Earth Resource Management program.

The ESRI research faculty, approximately 40 scientists, represents a broad diversity of fields in the geosciences: structural geology and tectonics, sequence stratigraphy, sedimentary petrology, geochemistry, palynology and biostratigraphy, coal petrology, petroleum geology, geophysics, and hydrogeology, . The majority of the research staff hold the degree of PhD or equivalent. More than half have previous experience in the petroleum industry or government agencies. The research faculty is assisted by a group of resident consultants, advanced graduate students and academic associates, as well as scientists in collaborating organizations worldwide. Research support services are provided by a full-time technical staff of about 20 persons. The Institute currently operates out of academic research centers at the University of South Carolina and the University of Utah.

ESRI, a university-based, self-supporting, not-for-profit organization, receives funding for geoscience research, training and technology transfer from industry, government agencies, and private foundations. Additional industry support comes through the well-subscribed ESRI Associates Program.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90956©1995 AAPG International Convention and Exposition Meeting, Nice, France