Mission
Most of Earth's liquid accessible freshwater is located in just a handful of lakes. These systems are scientifically fascinating and immensely valuable to society. Pressures on them include toxins, invasive species, climate change, fisheries harvest, and excessive nutrients. Science is the foundation for managing and protecting these beautiful and fascinating places.
The Large Lakes Observatory is dedicated to performing innovative, cross-disciplinary research, education, and outreach that advance scientific understanding of Earth’s large lakes for the benefit of society and the sustainability of freshwaters.
To do this, we use approaches from across limnology, environmental science, and oceanography. Our faculty and students are uniquely qualified and equipped to advance our understanding of Earth's largest lakes.
Read more about LLO’s Institutional Profile.
History
1988: The idea for creating a large-lakes research institute began with the “Lake Superior Water Policy Conference” held in downtown Duluth, MN followed by a state sponsored (LCCMR) assessment to evaluate the need for a Lake Superior research unit. From this, an “Institute for Lake Superior Research” was founded and led by Professor Bob Carlson of UMD.
1994: Professor Tom Johnson was recruited to lead the unit, and the name was changed to the “Large Lakes Observatory” to reflect the unit’s shift towards a global scope. During the next ten years, LLO grew in size and stature, and it maintained a strong focus on geophysical sciences. LLO was instrumental in the International Decade for East African Lakes program during this time.
2004: Professor Steve Colman was hired to lead LLO and for the next ten years LLO built on its early successes and diversified considerably in its approaches. It launched new work in Africa while establishing new observation platforms on Lake Superior. Faculty numbers grew and outreach programs were broadened.
2014: Professor Robert Sterner joined LLO as the newest director. This coincided with LLO’s major renewal from 2013 - 2016, replacing close to 50% of its faculty and increasing further in size. Under Dr. Sterner’s direction, LLO continued to grow its programs, graduate students, global research scope, and community outreach programs. Sterner’s retirement directly succeeded Freshwater Discovery Day 2024, the largest public event hosted by an academic unit at the University of Minnesota-Duluth.
2024: Dr. Catherine O’Reilly is announced the newest director of LLO, beginning in January 2025.