Research

Through five departments and many interdisciplinary centers and institutes, the College of Science advances discovery and solves real-world problems while producing the next generation of scientific leaders and providing technical innovation and service to the world.

DOORWAYS TO DISCOVERY

At Texas A&M, our faculty and students are driven by the spirit of discovery and committed to pushing back the boundaries of knowledge. Each year, the University's 2,600 faculty conduct nearly $582 million worth of sponsored research projects, assisted by more than 5,000 paid graduate students.¹

The College of Science alone is responsible for nearly $42.4 million² of that research, including $6.1 million in indirect cost return¹ that is reinvested in new and continuing projects.

Departments of Distinction

In Calendar Year 2008, the College's total federal funding rose to a record $42,429,373.² Our departments are leaders in generating funding and proven results that enhance our international reputation for excellence.

• Biology holds a $5 million National Institutes of Health grant for biological clocks research, an area where we are world renowned.
• Chemistry is ranked 15th by the National Research Council and seventh in total research and development expenditures nationwide.
• Two-thirds of Mathematics faculty have National Science Foundation grants, fueling our rise to 13th nationally among public university departments in research funding
• Physics and Astronomy is a partner in the $550 million Giant Magellan Telescope.
• Statistics is in the top 15 departments worldwide for total research output (Canadian Journal of Statistics).

Phenomenal Faculty

The College of Science boasts one of A&M's two Nobel laureates, four National Academy of Sciences members, half of A&M's distinguished professors, eight of its 32 University Faculty Fellows, and its only Searle Scholars. Many faculty are CAREER, NYI, and Sloan awardees. The college hired 70 of the 447 new faculty proposed under A&M's five-year faculty reinvestment plan—a figure that represents one of the largest percent-gains across the University.

Exceptional Facilities

The College features vast opportunities and resources to help faculty and students excel in their academic and research efforts. The College and its departments are home to 14 Board of Regents-approved centers and institutes as well as many specialized laboratories and active research groups dedicated to conducting and promoting targeted, interdisciplinary research and teaching.

Unique Undergraduate Opportunity

Our undergraduates are exposed to challenging research opportunities designed to enhance their academic experiences and better prepare them for advanced studies or careers in science. As seniors, many are mentored by faculty researchers as Undergraduate Research Fellows or Research Scholars—paid positions with some projects. Three departments also offer paid summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates programs funded by the National Science Foundation.