LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The University of Nebraska has launched an international search for a new executive director of the Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Institute.

The next director will replace Roberto Lenton, who founded the institute and served in the role since 2012. Lenton announced in February that he plans to step down by early 2016. The university announced Monday that a 15-member advisory committee will help with the search.

The institute was created with the goal of ensuring a sustainable global water and food supply through improved water management. The institute conducts research, helps form public-private partnerships and hosts conferences for water and food scientists and industry leaders.