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Research at the University of Minnesota doesn’t stop at discovery. It moves forward to make change, improve lives, inform policy, and strengthen communities in Minnesota and beyond.

Driving Innovations that
Improve Life for Everyone

Research at the University of Minnesota combines the power of extensive
and collaborative research disciplines and proven market expertise to create
innovations that benefit society. 

The Research and Innovation Office (RIO) helps facilitate collaborative research designed to solve our most complex problems.

Learn more about RIO

12th
among US public research institutions
$1.44B
in systemwide research expenditures
299
startup companies launched since 2006
People walking fast (depicted by a blurred/movement effect) along UMN's Scholar's Walk

Research Impact
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A person using a microscope is blended into an illustration.

From AI to Animal Welfare: Exploring the Shifting Landscape of Research Ethics

March 25, 2026

The University of Minnesota’s annual Research Ethics Week took place March 2–6 and brought together over 1,800 members of the scholarly community to navigate the shifting landscape of research integrity.

Combination of text and a portrait of Benjamin Maguder. Text: 2026 Schmidt Science Fellows, UMN

University of Minnesota Alum Benjamin Magruder Named 2026 Schmidt Science Fellow

March 25, 2026

University of Minnesota alum Benjamin Magruder has been named a 2026 Schmidt Science Fellow, receiving a prestigious $110,000 annual stipend to pivot from computational polymer physics to biochemical research on neurodegenerative diseases.

UMN-SNU Seed Grant - Research and Innovation Office

New Seed Grant Partnership with Seoul National University

March 16, 2026

UMN–SNU research partnership seed grants will help advance international research and technology collaboration at the University while connecting PIs to shared expertise at Seoul National University. In 2026, the program anticipates funding approximately four awards of up to $40,000 each for one year.

Close up of a rack of test tubes. Text: 2026 BTAA Responsible Conduct of Research Collaborative Virtual Conference

Register Today! BTAA Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Conference

March 11, 2026

Join the University of Minnesota and the BTAA from April 20–22, 2026, for a free virtual conference featuring national experts and practical sessions designed to integrate ethics and accountability into every stage of the research enterprise.

Three images: Graphic rendering of a "network," a small pink item in a cloudy liquid held by a gloved hand, three small translucent chips

Innovation in Practice: Advancing Animal Welfare at UMN

March 9, 2026

The University of Minnesota’s recent Animal Welfare Symposium highlighted how the integration of innovative "new approach methodologies" and the 3Rs is advancing the ethical frontier of biomedical research while maintaining scientific excellence.

Text: Research & innovation 2025 Annual Report

Annual Report Highlights Strength, Impact of University of Minnesota Research

February 16, 2026

On February 12, 2026, Interim Vice President for Research and Innovation Joanne Billings presented the annual report on the state of the University’s research enterprise to the Board of Regents.