As one of the nation’s top-ranked R1 research institutions, the University of Colorado Boulder is committed to advancing innovation that serves the public good. Through a diverse portfolio of nonprofit and for-profit ventures spanning education, public health, environmental sustainability, and global resilience, the university works to improve lives and expand access to knowledge around the world.

The CU Boulder Research and Innovation Office highlighted the work of the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) and the Center for Education, Engagement, and Evaluation (CEEE), spotlighting Science On a Sphere® (SOS) as a powerful and far-reaching educational tool. Developed by researchers at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in collaboration with CEEE, Science On a Sphere® brings complex Earth system science to life through dynamic, data-driven visualizations designed for learners of all ages.

Since its debut at CU Boulder’s Fiske Planetarium, Science On a Sphere has grown into a globally recognized platform for science communication. Today, SOS installations can be found in more than 200 museums, universities, government facilities, and private organizations worldwide, collectively reaching an estimated 67 million people each year. By transforming scientific data into immersive visual experiences, SOS helps audiences better understand our planet’s interconnected systems, from climate and weather to oceans and space.

To learn more about Science On a Sphere® and other innovative ventures emerging from CU Boulder, read the full feature from the university.