Chemistry professor Eric Anslyn studies the physical and bio-organic chemistry of synthetic and natural receptors and catalysts, and has been a pioneer in developing techniques and technologies (including the “electronic tongue”) to mimic the human senses of taste and smell.

We talked to him recently about his experience directing a research stream, on the chemistry of wine, in the Freshman Research Initiative (FRI). Read More

The success of the Freshman Research Initiative depends on the collaboration and support of faculty, students, industry partners and external funding entities. The program receives currently receives major funding from the National Science Foundation and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

Read more about the HHMI funding here.

The University of Texas at Austin is committed to FRI both in philosophy and with considerable financial resources, and has committed support through 2011 with continued funding afterwards.