The purpose of the Association of Ecosystem Research Centers (AERC) is to support and encourage cooperation in research and training among ecosystem centers, strengthen ecosystem research and its applications; and advance understanding of ecosystem science at local, regional, national and international levels.

AERC brings together 35 U.S. research programs in universities and private, state and federal laboratories that conduct research, provide training and analyze policy at the ecosystem level of environmental science and natural resources management. These centers are located throughout the U.S. mainland, as well as Alaska and Puerto Rico. Their scientists, who number more than 500, conduct a major share of the ecosystem research in the United States.

Although AERC is an association of professional scientists rather than environmental activists, its goals and interests complement those of conservation organizations. Both groups stress the environmental and societal need for wise management of natural resources; AERC scientists provide the scientific information necessary for informed management.