About SGL
ABOUT SMART GREAT LAKES
Smart Great Lakes (SGL) is a collaborative platform focused on strengthening connectivity across the Great Lakes research ecosystem. Through curated resources, collaborative initiatives, and knowledge-sharing opportunities, SGL supports deeper access to Great Lakes science.
Originally launched as an initiative of the Great Lakes Observing System (GLOS), Cleveland Water Alliance (CWA) and the Council of the Great Lakes Region (CGLR), SGL is evolving into an independent entity which will play a connective and facilitative role within the region. While maintaining strong relationships with GLOS, CWA, CGLR and other regional partners, SGL will focus on building a collaborative platform that complements existing data systems and research efforts.
The Great Lakes region is one of the most ecologically, economically, and culturally significant freshwater systems in the world. Yet the research landscape supporting the region remains highly distributed across agencies, institutions, NGOs, Indigenous organizations, monitoring networks, and private-sector innovators. Valuable data and technologies often persist in disconnected disciplines.
SGL exists to help bridge these gaps.
Rather than functioning as a primary research body or centralized data repository, SGL operates as a connective platform that helps stakeholders navigate the complex Great Lakes research ecosystem. SGL aims to improve the discoverability of available science and tech in the region, support the exchange of this knowledge, foster other collaboration avenues for stakeholders, and help to translate diverse standards and methodologies to make this joint work more feasible.
SGL’s work is guided by several core principles:
- Supporting knowledge-sharing and collaboration
- Strengthening accessibility across the research ecosystem
- Highlighting innovation and emerging technologies
- Informing approaches to evolving tools such as AI and advanced monitoring systems
As the organization grows, SGL aims to become an increasingly valuable regional resource supporting collaboration and strategic insights in the Great Lakes research community.
LEADERSHIP & ADVISORS
Smart Great Lakes brings together leading researchers from across the Great Lakes region who contribute expertise in environmental science, technology, policy, collaboration, and regional stewardship.
The organization’s leadership and advisory network reflects SGL’s commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and coordinated approaches to meet the challenges and manage the new and exciting developments in research and technological development in the Great Lakes.
Partners & Network
Smart Great Lakes is built through collaboration.
SGL works alongside a number of remarkable researchers, academic institutions, government agencies, NGOs, Indigenous organizations, technology innovators, and regional initiatives, all sharing the aim to strengthen Great Lakes science.
Rather than replacing existing systems or organizations, SGL is designed to complement and support the work being developed by these partners by improving access to their research and helping connect experts across sectors.
STRATEGIC VISION
Smart Great Lakes is guided by a long-term vision of a more connected and accessible Great Lakes research ecosystem.
As monitoring technologies and data systems continue to evolve, the need for coordination throughout the sector becomes increasingly important. SGL aims to help address these challenges by serving as a connective and catalytic platform that supports collaboration and improves access to existing resources and expertise.
In its current phase, SGL is focused on:
- Curating pathways to existing data and technology resources
- Supporting collaboration and professional engagement
- Increasing visibility for projects and initiatives across the region
- Encouraging knowledge-sharing around standards, methodologies, and emerging technologies
- Building trusted partnerships across the ecosystem
The organization’s long-term vision is rooted in the belief that stronger connections can help improve the resilience of Great Lakes science.