CAMBRIDGE, Md. — The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) is commemorating 100 years of groundbreaking environmental research, education, and public service with a Centennial Celebration. Founded in 1925, UMCES has played a pivotal role in addressing environmental challenges, from safeguarding the Chesapeake Bay to tackling global climate issues.
“UMCES’s 100-year journey is a testament to the power of science to drive solutions for a better future,” said UMCES President Fernando Miralles-Wilhelm, who joined the institution following a distinguished career spanning academia, the private sector, and international development.
As part of its Centennial, UMCES has outlined a forward-looking vision that includes strengthening partnerships, increasing investment in science, and expanding research into critical areas such as sustainable food production, climate change impacts, and nutrient cycling. Miralles-Wilhelm emphasized the importance of collaboration and resource mobilization, stating, “Working together across our labs and locations will allow us to collaborate more effectively.”
The institution’s rich history of applying scientific research to real-world problems includes significant advancements in understanding Chesapeake Bay ecosystems and participating in international environmental efforts.
To honor this legacy, UMCES will share 100 stories throughout the year, showcasing the individuals, discoveries, and milestones that have shaped its impact.
UMCES’s Centennial events kick off this January with public celebrations at its laboratories across Maryland:
- Jan. 24, 2 p.m. — Chesapeake Biological Laboratory
- Jan. 27, 2 p.m. — Horn Point Laboratory
- Jan. 30, 1 p.m. — Appalachian Laboratory
- Feb. 6, 2 p.m. — Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology
The institution also highlighted its commitment to developing the next generation of environmental scientists. Over the past century, UMCES has trained graduate students who have gone on to influence environmental research, policy, and conservation globally.
“Climate change is not just a scientific concept—it is an all-encompassing force that influences everything we do,” said Dr. Jeff Cornwell, a geochemist and oceanographer at UMCES. “Our work is about empowering communities and ecosystems to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world.”
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