RESEARCH
And
ENGAGEMENT
Nurturing People and Planet Through Research
We are revolutionizing how we nurture people and our planet through intentional discovery and collaborative engagement. Our thematic priorities are innovating food systems, advancing the science of regenerative agriculture, accelerating climate resiliency, and nurturing human wellness and thriving communities.
Our Strategic Priorities
Our work builds on a proud tradition of innovation in agricultural sciences at CSU. Guided by our shared vision, we are mobilizing around and investing in eight strategic focus areas for leadership and impact – regionally, nationally and globally.
Innovating
Local and Global Food Systems
We’re revolutionizing food systems to promote healthy communities, economies, and individuals through modernized approaches to safety, quality, sustainability, efficiency, and effectiveness. Our strategy involves leveraging state-of-the-art research, educational initiatives, and community involvement to drive scientific progress, shape policy, and enhance access to nutritious food, both locally in Colorado and globally.
Your Title Goes Here
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Your Title Goes Here
Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Advancing
The Science of Regenerative Agricultural Systems
We excel in utilizing a rigorous scientific approach to analyze, develop, and implement various regenerative agricultural systems, positioning ourselves as pioneers in the field. Embracing a collaborative, community-driven ethos, we strive to enhance the accessibility of affordable, fresh, and nutritious food while simultaneously rejuvenating the well-being of our communities and the health of our natural resources, including soils, water, and air.
Accelerating
Agriculture’s Climate Resiliency
We drive forward transformative discoveries in plant, animal, and ecosystem adaptation by fostering an unparalleled convergence of disciplines and seamlessly blending basic and applied research. Through strategic partnerships and the provision of top-tier facilities, we cultivate talent and ignite a culture of innovation, poised to pioneer groundbreaking advancements in our field.
Nurturing
Human Wellness and Thriving Communities
We cultivate resilient communities by prioritizing the holistic health and prosperity of humans, animals, plants, and the environment within the realms of agriculture, landscape management, and natural resource stewardship. Our mission is to enhance societal well-being by developing and disseminating tools and knowledge aimed at addressing economic, managerial, educational, and policy challenges inherent in agri-food and resource systems.
Research With Impact
Soils, oceans and the guts of cattle: Talking microbiome science and climate change with CSU’s Kelly Wrighton
Colorado State University excels in microbiome science, especially in climate change. Kelly Wrighton’s lab enhances soil health, predicts greenhouse gas emissions, and catalogs microbiomes. Wrighton co-directs the CSU Microbiome Network, integrating research across disciplines.
CSU scientist leads half of USDA update to methods for measuring greenhouse gas
The USDA released updated methods for estimating greenhouse gas emissions from land management, supporting conservation and climate-smart agriculture programs. These methods, included in the COMET-Farm tool, help landowners gauge the benefits of management changes.
Grounded in science: CSU a global leader in soil carbon research, climate change solutions
As governments aim to reduce emissions, CSU offers accurate assessments and solutions. For over 50 years, CSU has studied soil carbon and greenhouse gases, supporting U.S. policy through a $19.5 billion climate-smart agriculture program.
Our Work By The Numbers
The research and engaged scholarship of CAS and the AES are catalyzing change in science and Colorado communities for global impact.
$59.2M
In Research Expenditures
272 AWARDS
Totaling $39.6M
$15.7M OVERALL BUDGET
For Agricultural Experiment Station
Our Mission
Amidst a shifting climate, we tackle global issues of food safety, security, wellness, and economic prosperity by responsibly utilizing natural resources. Embracing our 21st-century land-grant mission, we integrate purposeful discovery, inclusive education, and collaborative involvement for excellence.
Collaborative Engagement
Engaged scholarship is our promise and way of being. We learn from and actively engage diverse stakeholders across a continuum of shared experiences that spans conversation to co-creation. We apply science with collective wisdom for the betterment of society, ask important questions, and value all voices.
Intentional Discovery
We utilize various scientific disciplines and viewpoints to address agricultural, environmental, and community challenges, fostering innovation by transcending boundaries, embracing unconventional approaches, and turning obstacles into opportunities. Through collaboration and mentorship, we cultivate enduring impact while nurturing the future leaders and scientists of our industries.
Inclusive Learning
We empower learners and citizens to serve and succeed by intertwining our curriculum with scientific discovery and active stakeholder engagement. Our approach challenges students to expand their skills, offering both support and hands-on learning opportunities to enhance critical thinking, decision-making, and communication abilities.
A Leader in Research at CSU
College of Agricultural Science faculty and staff can be found working across campus and across the state to address critical challenges.
AgNext
AgNext serves as a central hub for collaboration on sustainable animal agriculture, focusing on animal and ecosystem health while enhancing supply chain profitability.
Colorado Center for Sustainable Pest Management
The Colorado Center for Sustainable Pest Management boosts agricultural sustainability and profitability, tackling challenges and training students in crop protection and plant health.
Soil Carbon Solutions Center
The Soil Carbon Solutions Center addresses climate change with scientific rigor, developing and scaling soil-based climate solutions through expert-led tools and methods.
Food Systems Research
Food systems connect natural resources, the agricultural industry, and communities. CSU focuses on linking production, supply chains, and consumers to foster healthy communities and economies.
CSU Microbiome Network
The Wrighton laboratory contributes to CSU’s microbiome sciences initiative, focusing on microbial science in soil, water, and animal health, with strong educational and outreach commitments.
CSU-TAPS
TAPS enhances agricultural management through a farming contest, improving understanding of decision impacts on profitability and efficiency. Competitors make key crop, irrigation, and marketing decisions.
Agricultural Experiment Station
The AES is Colorado’s leader in research, extension, and agricultural education programs. Our work uses a multifaceted approach ensuring successful partnerships and outcomes for Coloradans.
Agricultural Service Providers
The College of Agricultural Sciences also serves our community through state-of- the-art scientific services in plant diagnostics, soil testing, and more.