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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 CALS

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 a common goal: to leave the world better than we found it. Ambitious? Sure. But Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences has been changing the world for over a century and will continue to do so into the future.

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.

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

950

Graduate students

350

Faculty

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 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.

Cereal rye, the most widely used cover crop in the U.S., in a field at the Cornell University Musgrave Research Farm in Aurora, New York.

News

Study offers insight into balancing climate solutions and crop yields

A computer model analysis showed that global adoption of regenerative farming practices to improve soil health can benefit either greenhouse gas mitigation or crop yields but rarely both.

  • Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station
  • Musgrave Research Farm
  • School of Integrative Plant Science
Researchers use VR headset to understand how people’s nonverbal behavior can provide insight into their states of mind and their interactions with their teammates.

News

Research at risk: Keeping Navy divers safe with robot partners

Cornell researchers are working to understand how robots can assist humans in dangerous and physically challenging environments, but the project, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Defense, has been halted by a stop-work order.

  • Department of Communication
  • Communication
2024 Interdisciplinary Studies Major Graduation

News

Celebrating the CALS class of 2025
Join us in recognizing the CALS class of 2025.
  • Landscape Architecture
  • Nutritional Sciences
  • Agriculture
View more news & stories