Canada's premier freshwater research laboratory studying the world's largest system of freshwater lakes. We monitor water quality, analyze ecosystem health, track seasonal changes, and educate the next generation of water scientists. Our work directly impacts policies protecting 21% of the world's fresh surface water — water that millions depend on daily.
Explore Our Research
Since 2012, our laboratory has been at the forefront of Great Lakes research. We combine field work, laboratory analysis, and advanced modeling to understand these complex freshwater ecosystems. Our multidisciplinary approach brings together chemistry, biology, physics, and environmental science to tackle the region's most pressing water challenges.
Advanced chemical and biological testing of Great Lakes water samples. We analyze nutrient levels, pollutant concentrations, pH balance, dissolved oxygen, and microbial communities. Our state-of-the-art equipment includes mass spectrometers, chromatographs, and molecular sequencing platforms. Results inform water treatment facilities, environmental agencies, and public health officials across the region.
Long-term studies of aquatic life, food webs, and habitat conditions throughout the Great Lakes basin. We track fish populations, invasive species spread, algae blooms, and biodiversity changes. Our underwater monitoring stations collect real-time data on temperature, turbidity, and biological activity. This research helps predict ecosystem responses to climate change and human activities.
Detailed analysis of how Great Lakes water systems change throughout the year. We study ice formation patterns, spring turnover events, summer stratification, and winter mixing cycles. Our research reveals how climate variations affect water circulation, nutrient distribution, and biological productivity. This knowledge is crucial for predicting future lake conditions under changing climate scenarios.
Education is central to our mission. We believe that informed citizens make better decisions about water resources. Our programs reach students from elementary school through graduate level — plus community members who want to understand their local water systems better.
K-12 students visit our laboratories for hands-on learning experiences. They collect water samples, examine plankton under microscopes, test pH levels, and learn about the water cycle. Many discover their passion for science during these visits. Teachers receive professional development workshops to bring water science into their classrooms year-round.
University partnerships provide undergraduate and graduate research opportunities. Students work alongside our scientists on real projects — their contributions often lead to published research papers. Our summer internship program has launched dozens of careers in environmental science, policy, and education.
Community workshops help residents understand local water issues. Topics include well water testing, lake pollution prevention, native species identification, and climate change impacts. We also provide expert testimony for municipal planning committees and environmental assessments.
Great Lakes research requires collaboration across borders, disciplines, and institutions. We work with universities, government agencies, indigenous communities, and international organizations to share knowledge and coordinate efforts. This collaborative approach ensures our research has maximum impact.
Our partnerships with Environment and Climate Change Canada, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and state/provincial agencies help translate research into policy. When we discover concerning pollution trends or ecosystem changes, decision-makers can act quickly. This connection between science and policy is essential for protecting these vital freshwater resources.
Indigenous knowledge holders bring centuries of observations about Great Lakes systems. Their traditional ecological knowledge complements our scientific methods — often revealing patterns we might otherwise miss. These partnerships also ensure our research respects cultural connections to these waters.
International collaboration extends our reach beyond the Great Lakes basin. We share methods with freshwater researchers worldwide, contribute to global databases, and participate in climate change studies. This work helps address freshwater challenges affecting billions of people globally.
Modern water science demands sophisticated tools. Our laboratory houses equipment that would have been unimaginable when Great Lakes research began. But we also recognize that technology alone isn't enough — it must be paired with scientific expertise and field experience.
Automated buoys collect data continuously throughout the year. They measure temperature profiles, wave height, current speed, and chemical concentrations. During winter, special ice-resistant sensors continue monitoring even when lakes partially freeze. This year-round data collection reveals patterns that seasonal sampling might miss.
Satellite imagery helps us track large-scale changes like algae blooms, ice coverage, and sediment plumes. Combined with ground-truth data from our field teams, these images provide unprecedented views of Great Lakes dynamics. We can now detect pollution events, monitor ecosystem health, and predict seasonal changes with remarkable accuracy.
Laboratory instruments allow us to detect trace contaminants, identify microscopic organisms, and analyze complex chemical mixtures. Mass spectrometers can find pollutants at parts-per-trillion concentrations. Genetic sequencing reveals microbial diversity patterns. Electron microscopes show details of algae, bacteria, and other tiny lake inhabitants.
Climate change is reshaping the Great Lakes faster than many predicted. Warmer temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and more extreme weather events are already affecting these freshwater systems. Our research helps communities understand and adapt to these changes.
Ice coverage patterns have changed dramatically over the past several decades. Less ice means more evaporation, different mixing patterns, and altered biological cycles. We're documenting these changes and predicting future scenarios. This information helps shipping companies, coastal communities, and ecosystem managers plan for different conditions.
Extreme precipitation events — both intense rainfall and severe droughts — are becoming more common. These events affect water quality through runoff, erosion, and changes in lake levels. Our monitoring systems track these impacts in real-time, helping communities respond quickly to water quality problems.
Species distributions are shifting as water temperatures rise. Cold-water fish species face pressure from warming lakes, while warm-water species expand their ranges northward. Invasive species may find new opportunities in changing conditions. Our biological monitoring helps predict and manage these ecological transitions.
Whether you're a student interested in freshwater science, an educator seeking resources, a policymaker needing data, or a citizen concerned about local water quality — we're here to help. Our research is most valuable when it reaches the people who need it.
Join our community of water science advocates. Subscribe to our newsletter for research updates, attend public lectures, participate in citizen science projects, or volunteer for educational programs. Every voice matters in protecting these precious freshwater resources.
Partnership Opportunities