The CREST Center for Applied Tropical Ecology and Conservation is designed to create a research environment where multidisciplinary groups work together to solve the complex environmental problems facing the Neotropics. The major goal of the Center is to utilize our unique position within the Caribbean and strong ties with Central and South America to become a dominant research center in applied tropical ecology and conservation. To achieve this goal, we will promote research programs that synthesize multiple levels of biological organization, from genes to landscapes. Specifically, the Center will:

1) increase the research productivity of our faculty in the field in applied ecology and conservation.

2) strengthen the participation of our undergraduate and graduate students in research activities.

3) expand the research infrastructure of the University.

4) foster long-term research collaborations among scientists within Puerto Rico and with national and international government and academic institutions.

5) ensure that funding continues after the CREST funding period.