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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.

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
and the School of Integrative Plant Science

$275M

Total research expenditures

FY 2023

4,020

Undergraduate students

As of May 2023

950

Graduate students

As of May 2021

350

Faculty

As of May 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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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 and 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.

Michael Charles ’16, a citizen of the Navajo Nation and assistant professor, outside Akwe:kon, a residence hall devoted to Indigenous cultures, where Charles lived as an undergraduate at Cornell. Photo by Jason Koski.

News

With research and data, professor empowers Indigenous communities

For Michael Charles '16, citizen of the Navajo Nation, his research and advocacy are inseparable – and his lab is generating data to help Indigenous communities advocate for and govern themselves.

  • American Indian and Indigenous Studies Program
  • Biological and Environmental Engineering
  • Environment
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News

Liquefied natural gas carbon footprint is worse than coal

Liquefied natural gas leaves a carbon footprint that is 33% worse than coal, when processing and shipping are taken into account, according to a new Cornell study.

  • Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
  • Energy
  • Climate Change
a house being demolished

News

Building deconstruction, reuse would benefit NYS jobs, climate

Transitioning to a circular construction economy in New York state could unlock economic activity, create green jobs and advance climate goals, according to a Cornell-led white paper that provides policy recommendations.

  • Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management
  • Department of Global Development
  • Behavior
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