Industry & Technology Development
This category applies to a lot of our research. Microbiologists and animal and plant
scientists are continuously developing new tools for managing the health of crops
and livestock. Many departments are also developing the next generation of leaders
for the ag industry, while OSU centers and institutes develop biosecurity measures
and technology for the food and plant industries.
Agricultural Engineering
Much of the research in the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
directly ties into crop and soil science as well as preservation of natural resources
through the development of environmentally friendly technologies related to crops,
biofuels and water preservation.
OSU ag engineers have created a new co-fermentation method that turns sugars into
alcohols, organic acids and ketones without the environmental impact. Others have
collaborated in an international network of researchers to monitor and document the
signs and impacts of drought and to overcome water security issues.
Centers and Institutes
While both the Biobased Products and Energy Center and the Institute for Biosecurity
and Microbial Forensics directly relate to environmental conservation and food security,
much of how they benefit these areas is done through the development of technological
tools and industrial processes.
Researchers with IBMF developed a collection device to capture fluid samples and are
collaborating on a national project to develop more efficient diagnostic practices
for plant pathogens. BioPEC fosters multidisciplinary collaborations to contribute to bioeconomy development
with experts in genetics, conversion technologies, engineering and more.
In other research
OSU Ag Research continually strives for industry and technology development. Other
areas, such as animal and plant sciences, are also developing new technologies and
techniques to benefit the management practices of agricultural producers.
Some technologies developed by our researchers include the GreenSeeker, the Glance-N-Go
app and tools for detecting plant pathogens. Another way OSU Ag Research helps advance
the ag industry is by building its future leaders through fostering undergraduate
and graduate student researchers.