Develop solutions to address issues related to land, life, and science.
Continued growth of research at UTIA will be integral in broadening the institute’s impact and elevating its national reputation. UTIA should be known as the go-to destination for top researchers, graduate students, and funding partners to perform basic and applied research that addresses current and emerging relevant challenges.
Highlights and Success
UT Turfgrass Research Already Scoring Benefits on the World Stage
When FIFA selected UT to oversee research for building and maintaining the FIFA World Cup 26 pitches, it promised to focus worldwide attention on the turfgrass science and management program.

2025 AgResearch Annual Report
With a nearly $4.5M budget increase and a 60% growth in competitive research funding since 2020, our faculty are delivering Real. Life. Solutions. for Tennessee and beyond, from precision agriculture and One Health to food security and sustainable economies.

UT, ORNL Recruit Bio-based Materials Leader to Advance U.S. Bioeconomy
Orlando Rojas, a Canada Excellence Research Chair at the University of British Columbia, has been named the UT-ORNL Governor’s Chair for Circular Biomaterials.

Farming for the Future
The precision agriculture work underway at UTIA represents a paradigm shift— one that promises greater efficiency, sustainability, and resilience in the face of growing challenges.
2023 Key Metrics Baselines
Strategies and Actions
UTIA will explore alternative production systems for viable economic opportunities.
- Strengthen and support precision livestock farming efforts.
- Support USDA Smart Climate Initiative.
UTIA will continue to invest in facilities and scientific infrastructure.
- Construct a Next-Gen Poultry facility.
- Support construction of a protein innovation center.
UTIA will continue to grow grants and contract expenditures.
- Increase refereed publications by 50 percent and citations (H-index) by 25 percent.
- Increase HERD Report research expenditures by 50 percent.