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Texas A&M AgriLife Research quarterly newsletter header image: AgriLife Research logo over decorative image collage

Texas A&M AgriLife Research Quarterly Agency Update • June 2024

Director's message

Howdy,


Once again, this summer, AgriLife Research faculty, staff and students will travel the world to share leading-edge discoveries and innovations in scientific meetings. At the same time, our top-quality support and administrative staff across Texas will continue their good work to advance our agency’s strategic priorities.


I appreciate all your contributions, which are reflected in an increase in AgriLife Research’s grant and contract success so far this fiscal year.


As of June 1, we had received more than $111 million in new grants and contracts. This is more than the same period in 2023, when we received about $103 million. 


These funding amounts are the result of significant research outputs, such as publications, presentations and reports, which show why we are the leading research entity in agriculture, natural resources, and life sciences.


The 89th Texas State Legislature: Advancing intelligent systems to solve agricultural industry challenges


AgriLife Research has initiated its legislative process for the fiscal year 2026-2027 biennium. 


I am pleased to share that Chancellor John Sharp and The Texas A&M University System government relations team have backed our request for legislative support of our initiative "Advancing Intelligent Systems to Solve Agricultural Industry Challenges." 


Challenges facing agricultural and natural resource systems are vast and varied. They include increasingly high prices for inputs like feed, fuel, fertilizer and pesticides, which demand greater usage efficiency. 


Water scarcity will continue to be an issue for both agricultural and natural resources. Labor shortages also persist across these sectors, and threats from new pests, diseases and changing environments will continue. 


Intelligent systems have solved many challenges related to labor and efficiency in shipping, manufacturing, watershed management, city planning and a host of other sectors. Advancement of these technologies is critical to the next phase of sustainable agricultural production that improves lives and livelihoods. With support from the legislature, we aim to enhance our intelligent-systems capacity and programs.


Upgrades would reach 13 Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Centers, 20 academic departments in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, as well as six institutes supported by AgriLife Research. 

    

Administrative updates


We welcome Dr. Giovanni Piccinni, who has accepted the role of Director of the Texas Water Resources Institute. Dr. Piccinni will transition to his new role in late summer. Read more about his career and new role below.


The following administrative searches are in progress:


  1. Center Director, Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Beaumont – Conducting final screening before an offer is made.
  2. Center Director, Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Corpus Christi - Currently recruiting applicants 
  3. Center Director, Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Stephenville – Currently recruiting applicants
  4. Center Director, Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at San Angelo – Search initiated
  5. Director, Texas A&M AgriLife Institute for Advancing Health through Agriculture – Search initiated
  6. Associate Director, Responsive Agriculture Hub within IHA – Screening internal candidates 
  7. Director, Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Evidence Center – Search initiated


Special congratulations


Congratulations to Dr. Bill Murphy, Professor in the Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences in VMBS, who was elected to the National Academy of Sciences. Election to the National Academy of Sciences is among the highest honors a faculty member can achieve. Bill was one of 144 new members and the only faculty member from Texas A&M elected during his cycle. AgriLife Research is proud to support Bill as he continues his work in focusing on the transformational impacts on the biology of mammals and the health and conservation of mammalian species.


Recognitions also go to the following achievements:


  1. Gov. Greg Abbott appointed Dr. Suresh Pillai, Department of Food Science and Technology, to the Radiation Advisory Board. The Advisory Board advises the state on radiation issues and reviews the rules, policies and programs of state agencies that regulate radiation.
  2. The American Peanut Research and Education Society, APRES, recognized Dr. Charles Simpson for his five decades of dedicated work in preserving Arachis species materials at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Stephenville, and for advancing peanut genetics, resources-conservation and breeding.
  3. The Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Corpus Christi celebrated 50 years of dedicated service to the community, and commitment to educating and empowering individuals on matters of agriculture and health.


Before we know it, fall will be here, and we will be well into our 2025 fiscal year. I hope you all have a productive summer and that you will take some time with friends and family.



Gig 'em!

G. Cliff Lamb
Director, Texas A&M AgriLife Research 

AgriLife Research news

Giovanni Piccinni named Texas Water Resources Institute director



Former Texas A&M AgriLife Research associate professor returns in new role

Giovanni Piccinni, Ph.D., will return to Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Bryan-College Station, with a wealth of expertise to bolster his new role as director of the Texas Water Resources Institute, TWRI, effective Aug. 1.

More about Dr. Piccinni
Man at computer smiling sittin

VMBS Researcher Elected to National Academy of Sciences


Dr. William Murphy’s groundbreaking research on mammalian evolution and cat genomics earns one of science’s highest honors

A professor in the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences. AgriLife Research scientist Dr. William Murphy was one of 144 new members and the only faculty member from Texas A&M elected during his cycle.

More about Dr. Murphy's work


Texas A&M AgriLife Institute for Advancing Health Through Agriculture releases its 2023 report


The institute's annual report is a review of the past year of impactful research projects, innovation, accomplishments and new partnerships, and a look at the future of the IHA.


Read the full report
IHA Annual report cover thumbnail

Legacy and impact

Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Corpus Christi celebrates 50 years serving Coastal Bend



Anniversary event highlights past, present, future regional impacts

From cotton boll weevil eradication to aquaculture genomics to advancing digital agriculture and artificial intelligence, the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Corpus Christi has spent the past 50 years working to benefit area agricultural producers and agribusinesses.

More about the center's history
Mark E. Westhusin

Remembering Mark Westhusin

Dr. Mark Westhusin was a University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology at Texas A&M University. He was a friend, teacher and mentor to many. He was a lifelong learner, always pursuing knowledge and encouraging others to do the same. Mark enjoyed science, teaching, and the excitement of discovery. He was a man of many talents with a sharp wit and a greater sense of humor.

Dr. Westhusin's obituary

Research funding opportunities and project support


The Texas A&M AgriLife Office of Corporate Engagement and Research Support, CERS, assists research faculty in obtaining federal and private funding for comprehensive multidisciplinary research projects. CERS aims to alleviate administrative burdens associated with larger projects, allowing faculty more focus on research activities. Read more about CERS and sign up for the office’s Weekly Funding Opportunity Newsletter online.

Visit CERS online

AgriLife Research industry impacts

Man in bright shirt standing next to hibiscus flowers in greenhouse

Greenhouse Management Magazine interviews Dariusz Malinowski

Dr. Dariusz Malinowski’s groundbreaking hibiscus breeding work began as a personal quest to bring more color into his own landscape. A plant physiologist researching forage grasses at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Vernon, Malinowski discovered winter-hardy hibiscus while filling his own backyard with plants.

More on Dr. Malinowski's work
man in hat and windbreaker wearing gold watch tending to plants

The Peanut Grower Magazine features Charles Simpson

As reported by The Peanut Grower Magazine, The American Peanut Research and Education Society recently announced that its 2024 annual meeting would host the inaugural Charles Simpson Wild Arachis Species Session, honoring the profound contributions of esteemed AgriLife Research peanut breeder Dr. Charles Simpson to peanut research worldwide.

More on Dr. Simpson's accolade
man in a robot riding through field

Request for Proposals

Farm and lab equipment for fiscal year 2025



The 88th Texas Legislature appropriated funds to support specialized instrumentation and equipment to increase the research capability of Research. In addition AgriLife Research has some funding available to assist faculty who hold an active Hatch, Hatch-Multistate, or McIntire/Stennis project to purchase scientific equipment or enhance research capacity.

Download full RFP
USDA Pre Approval Form
Follow Texas A&M AgriLife Research on social media | @txresearch