Cornell seal
Back

Discover CALS

See how our current work and research is bringing new thinking and new solutions to some of today's biggest challenges.

Silver canisters with dark samples inside.

About

Cornell CALS is a premier institution of scientific learning, tackling the complex challenges of our time through purpose-driven science.
In a press room, a man in a suit signs a bill while others stand behind him watching and clapping
Researcher advises on methane portions of NY's climate law
CALS professor Bob Howarth played a key role in NY's Climate Leadership and Communities Protection Act (CLCPA) signed into law by Gov. Cuomo.
Researcher advises on methane portions of NY's climate law
The silhouette of a man vaping in front of a blue background
Study takes on e-cigarette warning ‘paradox’
A team of CALS researchers is helping regulators identify the most effective health warnings to include in ads for electronic cigarettes.
Study takes on e-cigarette warning ‘paradox’
Barley in a field with two people in the distance
With new barley variety, Cornell leads the way for brewers
CALS researchers released a new variety of New York-adapted spring barley to meet industry needs created by a 2012 Farm Brewery Bill.
With new barley variety, Cornell leads the way for brewers
A group of fruit flies lie in dark light only illuminated by a newly placed genes
Improved CRISPR gene drive solves problems of old tech
New gene drives uses genetic engineering to create a desired mutation that spreads throughout a population in fewer than 10 generations.
Improved CRISPR gene drive solves problems of old tech

You want to change the world. So do we.

We are a community with an uncommon sense of a common goal: to leave the world better than we found it. Ambitious? Sure. But Cornell CALS has been changing the world for over a century and will be doing so for a century more.

Founded in agriculture and focused on life, we are pioneers who have shaped contemporary science and eagerly embraced international opportunity, while always serving the people in the state of New York.

The Wall Street Journal/Times of Higher Education 2020 College Rankings ranked CALS #1 in agriculture, agriculture operations and related sciences.

Our Purpose

This is the charge that motivates us: CALS tackles the challenges of our times through purpose-driven science that advances understanding and improves life.

CALS at a glance

16

Departments

7 departments shared with other Cornell colleges and schools

2

Schools

The Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics & Management
The School of Integrative Plant Science

$254M

Research expenditures

As of FY 2019

3,760

Undergraduate students

As of FY 2020

1,080

Graduate students

As of FY 2020

360

Faculty

As of FY 2020

We seek answers in order to find the next questions.

Our Mission

These are our objectives and how we accomplish them: As a premier institution of scientific learning, we connect the life, agricultural, environmental and social sciences to provide world-class education, spark unexpected discoveries and inspire pioneering solutions.

What we do

We are actively pursuing our mission to serve the public through our education, research and extension/outreach efforts. 

researchers examining turf grass
people discussing plants

Teaching passion-driven minds

Learn about a CALS education
Scientist and student with computers

Purpose-driven science in action

Explore our research
researchers in field

Sharing knowledge with the community

Learn about outreach & extension

Learn more about CALS

View more

Latest news, discoveries, and breakthroughs

Explore the work we’re doing today and discover how it’s reshaping tomorrow.

student stands in front of projector, drawing on whiteboard

News

Study: Rethink immigration policy for STEM doctorates
The new Biden administration backs policy reform aimed at achieving that end, which was part of bipartisan legislation proposed more than a decade ago. But progress has been stalled by broader concerns about visas – particularly the temporary H...
  • Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management
  • Applied Economics
A zoom call pulled up on a laptop with a green mug next to it on the table

News

Appearance, social norms keep students off Zoom cameras
When the semester shifted online amid the COVID-19 pandemic last spring, instructor Mark Sarvary, Ph.D. ’06, and his teaching staff decided to encourage – but not require – students to switch on their cameras. It didn’t turn out as they’d hoped...
  • Behavior
  • Communication

News

Proteins unspool DNA so cells can take on unique properties
New research reveals how proteins, called “pioneer transcription factors,” help turn on key genes that give cell types their unique properties and functions. These pioneer factors, it turns out, help unspool tightly wound coils of DNA so that...
  • Molecular Biology and Genetics
  • Biology
  • Genetics
View more news & stories