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Discover CALS

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.
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

$242M

Total research expenditures

FY 2020

3,590

Undergraduate students

As of Fall 2020

1,020

Graduate students

As of Fall 2020

350

Faculty

As of Spring 2021

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. 

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people discussing plants

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

Learn more about CALS

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Latest news, discoveries, and breakthroughs

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

News

NIH-funded research to address rising male infertility
Paula Cohen, associate vice provost for life sciences, is leading an eight-year, $8 million, multi-institution grant to untangle the complex genetic rulebook for how sperm develops.
  • Molecular Biology and Genetics
  • Genetics
  • Medicine
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News

Project aims to prevent abuse in encrypted communication
Mitigating abuses of encrypted social media communication, on outlets such as WhatsApp and Signal, while ensuring user privacy is the focus of a five-year, $3 million NSF grant to a multidisciplinary Cornell research team.
  • Department of Communication
  • Behavior
  • Communication
Rolling Hills

News

Grow-NY startups pioneer food and ag innovations
From fully autonomous berry harvesters to plant-based lupini bean protein bars, the startups competing for $3 million in prize money at this year’s Grow-NY Food and Agriculture Competition are bringing revolutionary innovations to market.
  • Cornell AgriTech
  • Cornell Cooperative Extension
  • Department of Entomology
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