Texas Tech Receives Bayer CropScience Research Contribution

Written by Cory Chandler

Bayer CropScience announces a $7.5 million contribution to Texas Tech's Department of Plant and Soil Sciences. The contribution in support of new research initiatives and facilities development is eligible for a full funding match through the Texas Research Incentive Program (TRIP), creating a $15 million total contribution to the university.

$10 million will be allocated to support a research collaboration between Bayer CropScience and the university, and $5 million will go toward a planned Plant and Soil Sciences Building. The collaborative research project will be focused on developing cotton with improved fiber properties, and includes scientists affiliated with the Fiber and Biopolymer Research Institute within the department.

"Texas Tech is a leading agricultural research institution with which Bayer CropScience has enjoyed a close relationship," said Joachim Schneider, head of the BioScience Buiness Unit of Bayer CropScience. "We’re committed to delivering innovation in cotton that will improve the sustainability and economic value of cotton from the farm all the way to consumers. Texas Tech is a natural partner for us in this effort, as it has the drive, focus, cotton expertise and outstanding research capabilities that will be needed to turn promising research concepts into reality."

“Bayer CropScience has a proven track record of innovation and success,” said Chancellor Kent Hance. “It is a world leader in crop protection and plant biotechnology, and we are honored that it continues to partner with Texas Tech to meet the needs of consumers and the cotton industry. This contribution provides a considerable boost toward Texas Tech’s goal of achieving Tier One research status.”

Texas Tech announced in September that it qualified for $21.5 million in matching grants through TRIP, established by the Texas Legislature for seven designated research universities to achieve national research university or Tier One status. TRIP grants match 100 percent of contributions and endowments between $2 million and $10 million.

“This contribution from Bayer CropScience will enhance our already formidable research and academics in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences,” said President Guy Bailey. “It also continues a longstanding and productive research relationship between Texas Tech and Bayer CropScience.”

Read more about Bayer CropScience and its commitment to Lubbock>>

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