About CIRE

Background

As envisioned, CIRE will provide opportunities for scientists to more easily collaborate to increase the scope, impact and funding for their programs. Additional sources of funding could be identified and solicited from local, regional, state and federal agencies and organizations.

Working together will help reduce duplication and maximize cooperation, collaboration, communications and education opportunities for the greater good of the state and its water supplies.

An annual meeting and tour will be held to provide for discussions of research and education projects and programs and to expand collaboration and promote more face-to-face communications among project members.

Web site Clearinghouse

This Web site serves as a clearinghouse of irrigation research and education information and studies throughout Texas. The Progress & Outcomes section provides information about ongoing irrigation projects throughout the state and their accomplishments to date. Planned/Upcoming projects are also listed with a brief description of the studies they will entail. More detailed project information can be found on the project Web sites listed in the Links section.

CIRE Concepts

  • Facilitate internal communications among irrigation research and Extension education projects
  • Expand collaboration and development of new joint projects and grant proposals (multi-disciplinary)
  • Provide broad-based water use education (general public)
  • Develop and provide comprehensive training programs for irrigators
  • Compile and deliver outcomes, benefits and accomplishments

CIRE Objectives

Communications

  • Establish CIRE Web site
  • Develop a list serve of research and education personnel
  • Conduct an annual face-to-face meeting and tour to rotate locations
  • CIRE update/column in existing TWRI newsletter
  • Compile an annual report (electronic)

Education

  • Expand funding for supporting graduate students and/or post-doctoral scientists
  • Facilitate training courses, workshops, short courses and internships
  • Provide scholarships for water research and education projects

Funding

  • Seek funding support for ongoing and new programs
  • Expand collaboration to reach additional and new sources of funding
  • Focus on priority needs of funding agencies
  • Identify 5 priority research and education needs annually

Organizational procedures

  • Rotate chair, vice-chair and secretary annually
  • Subcommittees
    • Web site development
    • Annual report
    • Annual meeting
  • Rotate annual meeting and tour location