The International Center for Arid and Semiarid Land Studies (ICASALS) at Texas Tech University was created in 1966 to promote the university's special mission of the interdisciplinary study of arid and semiarid environments and the human relationship to these environments from an international perspective. The purpose of ICASALS is to stimulate, coordinate and implement teaching, research, and public service activities concerning all aspects of the world's arid and semiarid regions, their people and their problems.

---

1^st International Collaborative Research Workshop

The 1^st International Collaborative Research Workshop, co-sponsored by the Texas Tech University (TTU) International Center for Arid and Semiarid Land Studies (ICASALS) and by Faculty of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Urban Planning (FECFAU) from the University of Campinas (UNICAMP), was held on September 18^th, 2025. The workshop was co-led by Dr. Clifford Fedler, Associate Vice Provost for International Affairs and Director of ICASALS, and Dr. Luana Mattos de Oliveira Cruz, Associate Professor and Advisor for International Affairs.

Centered around the theme “Water: Essential for Life,” the workshop addressed pressing water-related challenges shared by both Brazil and Texas, fostering dialogue and collaboration among researchers from TTU and UNICAMP.

The event featured six expert presentations, with three speakers from each institution. Each pair of speakers explored a shared sub-theme, followed by interactive Q&A sessions with participants:

• Water Reuse and Agriculture: Presentations highlighted innovative irrigation techniques and emerging reuse strategies aimed at improving water efficiency in agricultural systems.
• Water Quality and Technology: Speakers discussed a range of technologies under development—from low-tech solutions such as land application in crop production to advanced filtration methods like micro- and ultra-filtration.
• Water Quantity, Policy, and Legislation: This session examined regional differences in water policy and legislation, identifying shared challenges and opportunities for future collaboration.

The workshop concluded with a presentation from Prof. Connie McManus Scientific Directorate from São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP), outlining potential funding opportunities for joint research initiatives focused on water-related issues.

This productive gathering laid the groundwork for future collaboration between TTU and UNICAMP researchers. The next phase will focus on facilitating faculty connections and supporting joint efforts to address water quantity and quality challenges. ICASALS and FECFAU/UNICAMP will continue to assist in identifying funding sources and developing collaborative research proposals.

Future workshops will build on this momentum, promoting international cooperation and advancing solutions to global challenges—starting with water, the foundation of life.