The Environmental Science Institute (ESI) is a multi-disciplinary program for basic scientific research in environmental studies. The complex nature of environmental processes are best understood through studies that cross traditional academic disciplinary boundaries. This applies to studies of both global-scale processes as well as those that occur at the local level. This Institute's focus is basic scientific research on the complex interactions between the biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere. The ESI sponsors the Hot Science – Cool Talks Outreach Lecture Series, a program that provides the K-12 community and the general public with current knowledge of the science behind environmental issues through presentations by leading researchers from the University of Texas and other prominent universities.

The University of Texas Marine Science Institute (MSI) has active research programs in marine science disciplines including the physiology, biochemistry and ecology of marine plants and animals; dynamics of marine ecosystems; biogeochemistry; mariculture; toxicology; and environmental monitoring. It is the oldest marine research station on the Texas Gulf Coast. Participants in the MSI GK-12 Program live in the Port Aransas area.

The University of Texas Institute of Geophysics (UTIG) is known internationally as a leading academic research group in geology and geophysics. UTIG research activities are carried out all over the world and include large-scale, multi-investigator, multi-institutional field programs. The importance of geophysical measurements in the exploration for economically useful minerals has also led to valuable partnerships between UTIG and industry. UTIG plays a role in K-12 education through formal teacher-training programs and informal outreach efforts.