Texas Tech Officially Designates International Cotton Research Center

Written by Cory Chandler

Texas Tech University officials have designated the International Cotton Research Center in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) an official Texas Tech center.

“The multi-institutional and inter-disciplinary center at Texas Tech recognizes and capitalizes upon the efforts of the greatest concentration of world-class cotton research scientists in the nation,” said Norman Hopper, co-director of the center and associate dean of CASNR.

The cotton industry accounts for nearly $5 billion of Texas’ economy, and well over 20 percent of the nation’s cotton production is grown within 100 miles of Lubbock.

By thoroughly integrating the many disciplines currently involved in cotton research at Texas Tech, Texas AgriLife Research, Texas AgriLife Extension and USDA-ARS, the center serves as a hub of research and coordinated outreach by developing state-of-the-art technology, innovation and economic development, said Sukant Misra, co-director of the center and CASNR associate dean of research.

Funded through targeted federal, industry and university initiatives, the International Cotton Research Center funds and oversees a number of innovative and groundbreaking research initiatives with industry-wide implications each year. Already home to the Fiber and Biopolymer Research and Cotton Economics Research Institutes, Texas Tech is internationally known for its activities related to all aspects of cotton research, as well as its analysis and improvement of cotton fibers and after-market cotton products.

“The addition of the International Cotton Research Center further solidifies the university’s prominent position as a world-class partner in the national cotton industry,” Hopper said.

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CONTACT: Norman Hopper, associate dean, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Texas Tech University, (806) 742-2808, or norman.hopper@ttu.edu, or Sukant Misra, professor and associate dean for research, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Texas Tech University, (806) 742-2808 or sukant.misra@ttu.edu