“Bringing research development support for The Texas A&M University System members
to support the research enterprise across the System.”
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TAMIU Quarterly Research Highlight
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External News and Highlights
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TAMIU Faculty Highlight Research Progress at Quarterly Showcase |
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Texas A&M International University faculty are engaged in rigorous scholarly inquiry across diverse disciplines, addressing complex regional, national, and global challenges. To disseminate these contributions, the university has inaugurated "TAMIU Research Highlights," a quarterly digital publication cataloging recent faculty scholarship. Dr. Ruby Ynalvez, Associate Vice President for Research and Sponsored Projects, notes that the initiative aims to increase the visibility of TAMIU’s research ecosystem, stating, "TAMIU Research Highlights underscores the impactful research undertaken by our scholars, facilitating the exploration of critical inquiries and fostering an environment of ongoing discovery."
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| Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station |
Unexpected Discovery Yields New Graphene Oxide Production Method |
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Researchers in the Texas A&M University J. Mike Walker ’66 Department of Mechanical Engineering have developed a new method for producing graphene oxide, a high-value carbon nanomaterial used in batteries, electronics, and advanced manufacturing. Led by Dr. David Staack, associate professor and deputy vice chancellor for research, the team created a plasma-based process that converts methane directly into high-purity graphene oxide while simultaneously producing hydrogen. The findings, published in Nature Communications, emerged unexpectedly from a project originally focused on hydrogen production.
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The new approach offers a potentially lower-cost, more scalable alternative to conventional graphene oxide manufacturing, which typically relies on graphite and chemically intensive processing. By producing graphene oxide directly from methane, the technology could strengthen domestic supply chains for advanced materials while supporting applications in energy storage, electronics, and next-generation manufacturing. The discovery highlights how fundamental research can lead to unexpected breakthroughs with broad scientific and commercial potential.
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Federal Quantum Initiatives Signal Continued Research and Security Investments |
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Federal efforts to advance quantum science and technology continue to accelerate as policymakers build upon the foundation established by the National Quantum Initiative Act of 2018. The legislation created a coordinated national strategy for quantum information science research and workforce development, supporting investments across federal agencies, national laboratories, universities, and industry partners. More recently, the White House issued executive orders focused on maintaining U.S. leadership in quantum technologies while preparing government systems and critical infrastructure for the cybersecurity challenges posed by future quantum computers.
The new directives emphasize two parallel priorities: accelerating quantum innovation and strengthening national resilience against quantum-enabled threats. Federal agencies have been directed to expand the adoption of quantum-resistant cryptography, inventory vulnerable systems, and develop migration plans to protect sensitive information from advanced cryptographic attacks. At the same time, the administration is promoting continued investment in quantum computing, sensing, networking, and workforce development to support scientific discovery, economic competitiveness, and national security. Together, these actions signal a sustained federal commitment to ensuring the United States remains a global leader in quantum research, technology development, and deployment.
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External News and Highlights |
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Astrobotic, Firefly, Intuitive Machines Win More NASA Moon Lander Missions
NASA awarded new lunar lander contracts to Astrobotic, Firefly Aerospace, and Intuitive Machines to deliver science and technology payloads to the Moon. The awards support the agency’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative and preparations for sustained lunar exploration under the Artemis program.
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New Study in Texas May Have Shown How to Better Measure College ROI
A new Texas-based study proposes a more comprehensive approach to measuring the return on investment of higher education by considering long-term economic and career outcomes beyond starting salaries. The findings suggest broader performance metrics could provide students, policymakers, and institutions with a more accurate assessment of the value of a college degree.
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How Faculty Use Workplace Experience to Help Students
Faculty members are increasingly drawing on their professional experience to connect classroom instruction with real-world practice and workforce expectations. The approach helps students develop career-ready skills while enhancing the relevance of academic programs to the evolving needs of the industry.
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NVIDIA Unveils Science Reasoning AI Suite with BioNeMo Agent Toolkit
NVIDIA introduced a new science reasoning AI suite and the BioNeMo Agent Toolkit to accelerate biomedical research through AI-powered scientific reasoning and agent-based workflows. The platform is designed to support researchers in drug discovery, molecular biology, and other life science applications by streamlining complex research and data analysis tasks.
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The Medical School Boom
Medical schools continue to expand across the United States as institutions respond to growing physician workforce needs and rising student demand for medical education. The trend is increasing training capacity while prompting discussions about clinical placements, residency availability, and long-term healthcare workforce planning.
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How Should European Scientists Respond to the U.S. AI ‘Kill Switch’?
European research leaders are assessing the implications of proposed U.S. measures that could restrict access to advanced artificial intelligence technologies, raising concerns about scientific collaboration, technological sovereignty, and global AI competitiveness. The discussion highlights growing international attention to balancing national security priorities with open scientific research.
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Arpa-H Awards Up To $160 Million To Advance Personalized Curative Medicines For Rare Genetic Diseases
ARPA-H announced the teams for the Treating Hereditary Rare Diseases with In Vivo Precision Genetic Medicines (THRIVE) program — a critical investment toward bringing new treatments to patients faster and cure rare genetic pediatric diseases. THRIVE will accelerate solutions across multiple technological approaches, clinical trial designs, and deployment models for a diverse set of rare genetic diseases, all of which are devastating and life-threatening.
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Making Sure Open Science Stays Open
This analysis provides a rigorous examination of the multifaceted challenges inherent in maintaining open science frameworks while simultaneously ensuring the robust protection of research integrity, national security, and institutional public trust. The discourse evaluates existing policies and procedural paradigms designed to sustain transnational collaboration, emphasizing the critical necessity of balanced stewardship within the global scientific enterprise.
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BioHub Launches Cell Tracking During Development Competition
Chan Zuckerberg Biohub and partners launched a Kaggle competition challenging participants to develop machine learning methods for tracking cells during embryonic development. The competition aims to advance computational tools that support developmental biology research and high-resolution biological imaging.
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Around the System: Headline News |
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East Texas A&M Appoints Research Leader to Drive Innovation and Economic Growth
East Texas A&M University appointed Dr. Mustafa Mashal as Vice President for Research and Economic Development to strengthen innovation, expand research capacity, and support economic growth. The appointment advances the university’s efforts to build partnerships, increase research opportunities, and enhance its impact across the region.
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Texas A&M Supercomputer Named Most Powerful Among U.S. Universities
Texas A&M University’s new supercomputer has been recognized as the most powerful academic supercomputer in the United States, significantly expanding the university’s high-performance computing capabilities. The system will support advanced research across disciplines, enabling large-scale artificial intelligence, engineering, scientific, and data-intensive computing.
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In Case of Emergency: How TEEX Is Preparing Professionals for Disasters
The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service is strengthening disaster preparedness through specialized training programs that equip emergency response professionals with the skills needed to manage natural disasters, hazardous incidents, and other complex emergencies. The programs support local, state, and federal readiness by providing hands-on instruction and scenario-based exercises for first responders and emergency managers.
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Bush Combat Development Complex Fuels Rapid Defense Innovation
The Bush Combat Development Complex is accelerating defense innovation by providing facilities, expertise, and partnerships that support the rapid development, testing, and transition of advanced defense technologies. The complex connects government, industry, and academic partners to strengthen national security and speed the delivery of mission-ready capabilities.
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WT President Walter V. Wendler Announces Retirement
West Texas A&M University President Walter V. Wendler announced his retirement after leading the university for more than a decade. His tenure included expanded academic programs, campus development, and initiatives supporting student success and regional engagement.
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New Study Highlights East Texas A&M’s $418 Million Economic Impact
A new economic impact study found that East Texas A&M University contributes $418 million annually to the Northeast Texas economy through its educational, research, workforce, and operational activities. The report underscores the university’s role in driving regional economic growth, supporting jobs, and preparing a skilled workforce.
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How TTI Is Helping Keep Houston Moving During the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The Texas A&M Transportation Institute is supporting transportation planning and traffic management efforts to help Houston accommodate increased travel demand during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The institute is providing data-driven analysis and operational strategies to improve mobility, reduce congestion, and enhance the visitor experience during the international event.
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Texas A&M Hosts Annual Conference Exploring Frontiers in Nuclear Astrophysics
Texas A&M University welcomed researchers from around the world for its annual conference on nuclear astrophysics, highlighting advances in the study of stellar evolution, nuclear reactions, and the origins of the elements. The conference fostered collaboration and knowledge exchange across the international nuclear physics and astrophysics research community.
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Texas A&M-Victoria Hosts Texas 250 Exhibit Celebrating State History
Texas A&M University–Victoria opened a Texas 250 exhibit that invites the community to explore the people, events, and milestones that shaped the state's history. The exhibit supports public engagement and education as Texas commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States.
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Around the System: Funding Success |
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Around the System: Honors |
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Dr. Astrid Layton, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Donna Walker Faculty Fellow at the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station, was recently made a Fellow of the in recognition of her outstanding engineering achievements.
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Around the System: Research Highlights |
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Dr. Abraham Abby Sen, assistant professor of computer information systems; Kareem Dana, adjunct instructor of computer information systems; Dr. Murray E. Jennex, Gensler Professor of Computer Information Systems; Dr. Jeffry Babb, associate dean of graduate school programs and Stan Sigman Professor of Business; and Dr. Jeen Mariam Joy, senior career coordinator in the Office of Career and Professional Development at West Texas A&M University, co-authored a study examining how humans and artificial intelligence can collaborate to improve knowledge transfer. Published in the Information Systems Education Journal, the paper presents a research framework for evaluating human-only, AI-only, and hybrid approaches to learning and knowledge sharing.
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Dr. Yufei Huang, postdoctoral research associate, and Dr. Jun Wang, professor in the Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics at the Texas A&M University Naresh K. Vashisht College of Medicine, led a study examining how alcohol affects brain circuits associated with Alzheimer's disease. Their research found that alcohol altered communication in the brain differently depending on whether Alzheimer's-related pathology was driven by amyloid-beta or tau proteins.
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Texas A&M AgriLife Receives Federal Funding for New World Screwworm Research
Texas A&M AgriLife Research received federal funding to expand research on the New World screwworm. This invasive livestock pest poses significant risks to animal health and agricultural production. The investment will support research aimed at improving detection, surveillance, and management strategies to strengthen U.S. livestock biosecurity.
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Gov. Abbott Launches Free New World Screwworm Inspector Training
Texas A&M AgriLife is partnering with the State of Texas to provide free training that prepares inspectors to identify and respond to the New World screwworm, strengthening the state's agricultural biosecurity. The program supports rapid detection and response efforts to protect livestock, wildlife, and the agricultural economy.
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Jaguar Journal Explains the Threat of the New World Screwworm
Texas A&M University-San Antonio’s Jaguar Journal highlights the biology, risks, and economic impacts of the New World screwworm, providing expert insight into a growing agricultural and animal health concern. The article explains ongoing surveillance and response efforts aimed at protecting livestock and wildlife.
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Texas A&M-Kingsville Establishes College to Strengthen Rural Healthcare Workforce
Texas A&M University-Kingsville received approval to establish a new College of Nursing and Health Professions, expanding educational opportunities to help address healthcare workforce shortages across South Texas and rural communities. The new college will enhance the university’s capacity to prepare nurses and allied health professionals while supporting regional health needs.
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Rural Texas Land Market Shows Continued Stability
The Texas Real Estate Research Center reports that the Rural Texas Land Market remained resilient during Spring 2026, with steady demand and moderating market conditions across much of the state. The analysis highlights regional trends in land sales, prices, and buyer activity.
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Texas A&M Forest Service Launches Wood Flow South Website
Texas A&M Forest Service launched the Wood Flow South website, a new data platform providing insights into timber markets, wood product flows, and forest industry activity across the southern United States. The resource supports data-driven decision-making for landowners, industry, researchers, and policymakers.
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Plant Breeders Explore Emerging Technologies to Improve Efficiency
Researchers and plant breeders gathered to discuss emerging technologies that can improve efficiency, accelerate crop development, and strengthen agricultural innovation. The discussions highlighted advances in tools and approaches that are helping address challenges in crop improvement and food security.
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Select funding opportunities are spotlighted here. For details and weekly funding opportunity updates, please check the Funding Opportunity List above.
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DoW Joint Laser Weapon System Agreements to Scale Directed Energy Capabilities
Due: TBD
DoW is seeking additional industry participation in the Joint Laser Weapon System (JLWS) program, an effort to accelerate the development and production of high-energy laser systems for countering cruise missiles and unmanned aerial systems. The program uses Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreements to rapidly mature and field scalable, containerized directed energy weapons across land and maritime environments.
While the department recently announced $86 million in initial awards to nLIGHT Defense and Lockheed Martin Aculight, the program has a total ceiling of $847 million, signaling significant opportunities for future development, integration, testing, and production efforts.
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Due: August 6, 2026
The FY26 Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program (PRMRP) Impact Award supports applied research, defined as use-inspired and practice-oriented science that brings together outcomes from basic research and insights from the real-world environment to foster clinical applicability. The Impact Award intends to translate fundamental understanding of underlying mechanisms into solutions with the potential for major near-term impact for patients and clear alignment with one of the congressionally directed FY26 PRMRP topic areas and one of the FY26 PRMRP portfolio-specific strategic goals.
The Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs expects to allot roughly $32.0M to fund approximately 10 Impact Award applications with total cost caps of $2.8M for the Single PI Option, or $3.6M for the Partnering PI Option. The maximum period of performance is 4 years.
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Solution Summary Due: August 12, 2026
The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) seeks proposals for the Restorative & health-Enhancing Sleep Time (REST) program, a bold effort to transform how poor sleep is measured and treated by enabling objective, home-based, closed-loop technologies that detect health-relevant sleep microstructures and respond to them in real time. REST seeks bold, interdisciplinary approaches to develop objective, home-based, closed-loop systems that can measure sleep-relevant physiology, diagnose and mechanistically classify poor sleep with a primary emphasis on insomnia, and adapt treatment in real time throughout the night. A summary is required to submit a full proposal.
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Pre-Application Due: August 19, 2026
The intent of the FY26 Toxic Exposures Research Program (TERP) Translational Research Award is to support translational research that will accelerate the movement of promising ideas in military-related toxic exposure research into clinical applications, including health care products, interventions, technologies, and/or clinical practice guidelines. Translational research may be defined as an integration of basic science and clinical observations. New Approach Methodologies may also be used. Applications should provide evidence for the reciprocal transfer of information between basic and clinical science, or vice versa, in developing and implementing the research plan.
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Due: August 21, 2026
This effort seeks to address multiple facets of export control challenges.
The first component will analyze trade data, create exemplary visualizations (e.g., dashboards), and train export control authorities to use data analysis for export control implementation.
The second component will design, develop, and deploy a smartphone-accessible application for frontline officers to detect and identify export-controlled commodities.
The third component will train recipients to effectively, responsively, and proactively engage regulated industry based on identified proliferation trends.
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Due: September 1, 2026
The Pathways to Enable Secure Open-Source Ecosystems (PESOSE) program supports the translation of open-source science and engineering-focused research products into safe and sustainable ecosystems that address national and societal challenges. These tools spark innovation in critical fields as varied as artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing, banking, healthcare, research, education, next-gen manufacturing, mobility, and National security (including cybersecurity).
This solicitation seeks three types of proposals, allowing teams to propose specific activities to: 1) scope and plan the establishment of an OSE, 2) establish and expand a sustainable OSE based on a robust, promising open-source product that meets an emergent societal or national need, and 3) improve the safety, security, and privacy of an existing OSE and its products.
Due: September 27, 2026
The FAA Aviation Research Grants Program encourages and supports innovative, advanced research of potential benefit to the long-term growth of civil aviation and commercial space transportation. The pursuit of basic and applied research in scientific and engineering disciplines with the potential to advance knowledge and understanding across a broad range of emerging technologies is crucial to realizing this goal. The intent is to encourage applied research and development to enhance technology assimilation, transfer, and development in the FAA. The FAA Aviation Research Grants Program does not require the immediate application to Research and Development (R&D) programs, although this may occur in some cases. The FAA encourages the submission of proposals that embrace the entire spectrum of physical, chemical, biological, medical, psychological, mathematical, and engineering sciences.
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Due: October 9, 2026
MFAI aims to support research focused on the most challenging theoretical questions aimed at understanding the capabilities, limitations, and emerging properties of AI methods as well as the development of novel, mathematically grounded design and analysis principles for the current and next generations of AI. PI teams should collectively possess appropriate expertise drawn from mathematics/statistics, computer science, engineering, and social and behavioral sciences, as appropriate to the project. The scientific focus must be on the mathematical and theoretical foundations, but relevance to application domains where the mathematical advances may lead to significantly new capabilities or a deeper understanding of existing empirical observations should be addressed. Collaboration between theoretical and empirical scientists is highly encouraged.
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The Texas A&M University System Research Excellence Fund
The Research Excellence Fund (REF) is a Texas A&M University System–wide, competitive, merit‑based funding program designed to strengthen research capacity, foster collaboration among System members, and enhance competitiveness for major external funding.
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| Online Learning Consortium National Conference
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Date: August 3-5, 2026
Location: Fort Worth campus
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Physical AI for Mechanics, Design, and Manufacturing
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Date: August 10-11, 2026
Location: Houston, TX
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| 2026 Texas A&M Conference on Energy
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Date: September 23-24, 2026
Location: Texas A&M Memorial Student Center
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| AI Research & Innovation Meeting
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Date: October 5-6, 2026
Location: College Station, TX
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100th Annual Transportation Short Course
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Date: October 12 - 14, 2026
Location: Kyle Field Hall of Champions
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U.S Department of Energy National Laboratories
The Department of Energy’s 17 National Laboratories are powerhouse institutions that have led scientific innovation in the United States for more than 70 years. They possess unique instruments and facilities – many of which are found nowhere else in the world – and tackle the critical scientific challenges of our time, from combating climate change to discovering the origins of our universe
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The Texas A&M University System Research Development website features federal agency resources to support System researchers with checklists, outlines, templates, graphic and design concepts, and other information for NSF, NIH, USDA, DOE, DOD, and NASA. We continually add new resources to support specific research opportunities.
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National Aeronautics and Space Administration |
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Please see the linked Grant Notice (GN) for an update on the launch of NASA’s biosketch and current and pending (other) support disclosure forms in Science Experts Network Curriculum Vitae (SciENcv).
The forms went live on June 25, and the SciENcv forms are optional for grant applicants through August 31, 2026. Starting September 1, 2026, the NASA-specific, SciENcv-developed forms will be a requirement for all proposals.
Because each form is generated from the user's individual SciENcv profile, applicants may use information from existing SciENcv documents or import available XML data, as applicable.
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- To create the required NASA forms, users should:
- Log in to SciENcv.
- From the My NCBI dashboard, select “Create a New CV”, which will open the SciENcv landing page.
- On the SciENcv landing page, select “New Document” and choose either the NASA Biosketch or NASA Current and Pending (Other) Support form, as appropriate.
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This GN and a reference guide will be posted to the GOM website.
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U.S. Department of Agriculture |
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DOD wants to integrate cyber in all operations, and integrate security into AI
The Pentagon is focusing on integrating cyber into all its operations, and wants to make sure it integrates security into artificial intelligence usage from the outset, the Defense Department’s top cyber policy official said Tuesday.
Recent conflicts have made clear how important cyber is, said Katherine Sutton, assistant secretary for cyber policy and principal cyber adviser at DOD — especially when it’s paired with physical force.
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The Administration is aligning grant funding consistent with the legal interpretation issued by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). A recent DOJ legal opinion concluded that certain programs using race-based eligibility criteria are unconstitutional. As a result, the Department of Education is prioritizing funding approaches that emphasize student need and institutional capacity without reliance on race-based criteria. Program implementation may evolve as federal agencies assess legal guidance and policy direction.
fy-2026-higher-education-programs-eligibility-matrix-june-8-2026-114185
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National Institutes of Health |
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Proposal to Cap the Number of Simultaneous Research Project Grants per Principal Investigator to Support More Researchers and Maximize Scientific Productivity and Innovation ().
Responses are due August 3, 2026.
“To ensure the best use of the taxpayers' dollars in supporting biomedical research, the NIH is considering instituting a cap on the number of RPGs on which an individual could simultaneously be a PI or MPI.”
Information Requested
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- The NIH is requesting information on the following:
- Pros and/or cons of the policy
- The optimal number of Research Project Grants for the cap (2-4)
- Strengths and weaknesses of the proposed implementation strategies
- Possible unintended consequences or policy loopholes
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National Science Foundation |
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| NSF Prohibits New Collaborations with U.S. Prohibited Party List Entities
The National Science Foundation announced new restrictions prohibiting NSF-funded research collaborations with entities identified on the U.S. government's prohibited party lists. The guidance reinforces federal research security requirements and establishes new compliance expectations for NSF-funded institutions and investigators.
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Dr. Angela K. Wilson
Texas A&M University
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Dr. Pete van Hengstum
Texas A&M University at Galveston
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Dr. Magesh Rajan
Prairie View A&M University
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Dr. Rupa Iyer
Tarleton State University
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Dr. Ruby A. Ynalvez
Texas A&M International University
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Dr. Ahmed Mahdy
Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi
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Dr. Jose F. Espiritu
Texas A&M University-Kingsville
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Dr. Angela Spaulding
West Texas A&M University
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Dr. Brent Donham
East Texas A&M University
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Dr. Sushil Sharma
Texas A&M University–Texarkana
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Dr. Guido Verbeck
Texas A&M University–San Antonio
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Dr. Jeff Kirk
Texas A&M University–Central Texas
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G. Allen Rasmussen
Texas A&M University–Victoria
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Dr. Amir Ibrahim
Texas A&M AgriLife Research
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Dr. Rodney Bowersox
Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station
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Dr. Dan Hale
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
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Dr. Aaron Stottlemyer
Texas A&M Forest Service
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Gordon Lohmeyer, CFPS / PI
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
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Dr. Joe Zietsman
Texas A&M Transportation Institute
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Dr. Kiril M. Dimitrov
Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory
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Dr. Michael W. Hull
Texas Division of Emergency Management
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researchdevelopment@tamus.edu
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