Focus Areas & Initiatives

The College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences' world-class research is rooted in Arizona yet has impact around the globe.

Cattle at the Campus Agricultural Center in Tucson, Arizona

Animal Systems

Basic and applied research improves productivity and increases the quality, composition, safety, and desirability of animal products as well as the use of integrated and sustainable production systems compatible with arid environments.

truck parking lot in Arizona. rocks and mountains

Commerce

Life sciences research topics include consumer and marketplace behavior, global and national trade activities, economic analyses of food and natural resources plus the economic analysis and resource allocation of businesses, governments and the environments in which market participants operate.

Graduate researchers in fish ecology a top a raft in an Arizona reservoir

Environment, Energy & Natural Resources

Environmental science topics include the protection, enhancement and sustainable use of soil, air and water and the conservation, management, and use of natural resources (wildlife, fisheries, rangelands, forests, watersheds, and flora and fauna ecosystems).

A mother walks her two children and two dogs in Tucson, Arizona

Families & Communities

Family studies research topics delve into the economic, social, psychological, and biological factors affecting individuals, families and groups over their lifespan.

UArizona researcher slices cantalope melons in the lab

Health & Food Safety

The application of life sciences research extends to human health promotion, disease prevention, microbial and chemical food safety plus nutrition and physical activity in the prevention of human disease and health promotion.

CALES researchers in a lettuce field in yuma

One Health

Apply multiple disciplines to investigate the relationships between animals, the environment, and humans to improve human and environmental health.

UArizona Insect Museum Manager Gene Hall and a graduate researcher examine insect specimen in the collection.

Plant, Insect & Microbe Systems

Agricultural research topics include the biology and production of plants used for food, fiber, livestock feed, industrial products and for environmental and aesthetic purposes, plus the interrelationships between insects, plants, and humans.