The Joint Institute for the Study of the Atmosphere and Ocean (JISAO) has existed since 1977 for the purpose of fostering research collaboration between the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the University of Washington. The administrative units most directly connected with JISAO are NOAA's Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory (PMEL) and the University's Department of Atmospheric Science and College of Ocean and Fisheries Science (COFS) . JISAO is governed by the Senior Fellows, currently 36 in number, who comprise its ongoing membership; they are almost evenly divided between University faculty and NOAA/PMEL staff who hold affiliate faculty appointments in the University. Its Director reports to the University's Vice Provost for Research.

JISAO has four core research areas: (1) climate, (2) global environmental chemistry, (3) marine ecosystems and (4) coastal oceanography.

The Institute's "core" (TASK I) program, to which the University contributes, supports postdoctoral fellows on annual appointments, renewable for a second year, and (with lower priority with regard to funding) senior visitors on leave from their home institutions. JISAO provides space, computer time, administrative support, and other services for these individuals. It also provides travel expenses and honoraria for a number of short-term visitors. TASK II supports collaborative research efforts between NOAA and University scientists and TASK III supports University research in areas compatible with the Institute's major research themes.