The Governor’s University Research Initiative (GURI), established in 2015, aims to assist Texas public institutions of higher education in recruiting distinguished researchers from around the world to Texas. The initiative seeks to enhance the academic standing of Texas public colleges and universities while contributing to statewide economic development. The program offers matching grants, reimbursed based on costs, with a maximum state contribution of $5 million per researcher. Eligible applicants include Texas public institutions of higher education focusing on recruiting researchers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or medicine who have attained significant national or international recognition, such as Nobel Laureates or members of prestigious academies.

GURI has a rolling application process, and the applications are reviewed by an Advisory Board. The final decision on grant awards is made by the Governor’s Office, with no possibility of appeal. Key criteria include institutional eligibility, the distinguished status of the researchers, and the potential economic impact of the recruitment on Texas’ competitiveness.