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

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About

Cornell CALS is a premier institution of scientific learning, tackling the complex challenges of our time through purpose-driven science.
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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
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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’
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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 (the charge that motivates us): CALS tackles the challenges of our times through purpose-driven science that advances understanding and improves life.

Our Mission (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.

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What we do

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

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Teaching passion-driven minds

Learn about a CALS education
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Purpose-driven science in action

Explore our research
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Sharing knowledge with the community

Learn about outreach & extension

Latest news, discoveries, and breakthroughs

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

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News

Using microbes, scientists aim to extract rare-earth elements
Most of the world’s rare-earth elements – there are 17 on the periodic table – have been mined in China for the past quarter-century, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. But the mining and finishing processes there create toxic waste and...
  • Atkinson Center
  • Biological and Environmental Engineering
  • Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
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News

Cornell unites science and policy to end hunger
New farming methods and crops that perform better in a changing environment are essential to higher living standards, but obtaining these innovations are too often impossible for small-scale farmers. “Our interest is to have improved seed...
  • Department of Global Development
  • Agriculture
  • Food

News

Grants fund community-engaged learning curricula

The Office of Engagement Initiatives (OEI) recently awarded Engaged Curriculum Grants to 19 teams of faculty and community partners that are developing community-engaged learning courses, majors and minors across the university. This year’s...

  • American Indian and Indigenous Studies Program
  • Community and Regional Development Institute
  • Cornell Cooperative Extension
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