The Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC) is a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) environmental science research facility located in Columbia, Missouri, USA.

Clean water resources and habitat quality are essential for the health of all living organisms, a fundamental concept in the mission of CERC. The Center provides scientific information and data needed to address national and international environmental contaminant issues, and effects of habitat alterations on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.

The Center has a unique capability for conducting multidisciplinary research that includes large river floodplains, coastal habitats, wetlands, streams and lakes. Scientists at CERC form partnerships with national, state, and local agencies, nongovernmental organizations and universities to enhance scientific information needed for management of the nation’s resources.