 Before 1909 the Texas legislature established and funded three Texas Geological Surveys, which lasted from 1858–1867 (with a four-year suspension), 1873–1876, and 1888–1901 (with the last five years unfunded).Today the Bureau functions as a research unit of The University of Texas at Austin, the State Geological Survey, and the Regional Lead Organization for the Petroleum Technology Transfer Council.Currently under the leadership of Dr. Scott Tinker, The Bureau conducts research in two broad areas