We aspire to amplify the unmatched potential of Austin and Texas.
We join the university in embracing the growth and spirit of Austin. We will do this by:
Building symbiotic partnerships across our rapidly-growing, tech-driven capital city
WORK UNDERWAY:
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Technology Collaborations through Texas Robotics
This science and engineering partnership collaborates with area tech industry groups and Army Futures Command to advance robotics education and research in numerous areas including medicine, rehabilitation, transportation, drilling, manufacturing, energy, national security and space exploration.
- Fighting a Virus with the COVID-19 Modeling Consortium
CNS scientists and students, in partnership with medical leaders, social scientists, engineers and researchers in the Texas Advanced Computing Center, are developing innovative models that advance the surveillance, forecasting and mitigation of pandemics like COVID-19. The consortium provides decision-support analyses for local, state and national leaders striving to protect the health and well-being of our society and have helped ensure Austin has the lowest fatality rate from COVID-19 of any major metro area.
NEW IDEAS IN Progress:
- New Pathways to High-Demand Careers
In partnership with Austin Community College, the College and its units are building new co-enrollment opportunities in biotechnology training and STEM teaching certification.
We join the university in embracing the growth and spirit of Texas—including our Fort Davis, Port Aransas, Smithville and other sites around Texas where College of Natural Sciences community members live, work and help to advance discovery. Our initiatives in this area focus on:
Serving Texans across the state with science that enhances life, work, health and learning
WORK UNDERWAY:
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Expanding our Texas Field Station Network
Field stations are portals for better understanding and protecting our world. With sites around the state, researchers will be able to create knowledge that leads to healthier lives through more sustainable and resilient sources of food, water and energy and world-changing scientific breakthroughs that promote the vibrancy of Texas and our planet.
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Hosting a Regular Texas Science Festival
Open to science enthusiasts everywhere, the Texas Science Festival offers opportunities for the community to learn about scientific discovery and explore topics relevant for our changing world.
NEW IDEAS IN Progress:
CNS serves the people of Texas through many outreach units and programs. These programs are fundamental to UT’s aspiration of becoming the highest-impact public research university in the world. CNS is actively working to maximize its public engagement impact through improved college-wide strategy, coordination, and communication across such efforts as:
Marine Science Institute and the Patton Marine Science Education Center
McDonald Observatory and its Visitor Offerings
In partnership with colleges and colleagues across campus, CNS has helped launch a new resource to help families, educators and youth connect to the university's offerings in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The new website, called STEM Starts, helps users navigate different opportunities including STEM camps, workshops, tutoring, teacher professional development and more.