Office of the Vice President for Research |

Services & Expertise

OVPR provides services and support to the University of Minnesota research community through our administrative units.

Research Initiatives

The University of Minnesota is a top-10 public research institution conducting breakthrough research across a broad range of fields and disciplines. Our researchers improve our understanding of the world, and they help facilitate technologies and ideas that improve our quality of life. OVPR supports several research initiatives and promotes the University's research mission.

Innovation Impact Case Award

The Innovation Impact Case Award recognizes research that has led to significant impact outside of academia and has made a meaningful difference in our communities. The competition is open to all eligible UMN faculty and researchers systemwide and applications open on October 5, 2021.

Learn more and apply for this award

COVID-19 Innovations

The Technology Commercialization team is aiding the fight against COVID-19 by moving relevant innovations into the marketplace, connecting potential industry partners with researchers, and adopting licensing guidelines that aim to expedite solutions that address the pandemic.

COVID-19 Innovations

Learn more about the impact of University of Minnesota research and its role in advancing innovation and fostering economic development in the region. View research statistics.

10th

among US public research institutions

$1.04B

in systemwide research expenditures

87

COVID-19 rapid response grants awarded

From Inquiry

Explore the impact of research on our world.

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Meet Michael Oakes, Interim Vice President for Research

August 23, 2021

by Kevin Coss

Oakes, who took on the role following previous VP Chris Cramer's departure earlier this year, oversees the $1+ billion systemwide research enterprise.

Categories:

Vision & Impact

From ‘Weed’ to ‘Worthwhile’: Pennycress Makes Cover Cropping Viable

August 31, 2021

by Kevin Coss

Through a combination of basic and applied science, researchers are bringing growers an economically feasible way to better protect soil and water.

Categories:

Research & Discovery

News & Announcements

View More Research News & Announcements

Michael Oakes Takes on New Role as Interim Vice President for Research

Aug 23, 2021

Michael Oakes has accepted the interim vice president for research position following the departure of VP Chris Cramer in summer 2021.

Research Reporting Center Launches New PI Reports

Jul 28, 2021

Four new PI (principal investigator) reports are now available in OVPR's Research Reporting Center, which provides reporting on UMN research measures, such as sponsored awards and research expenditures, as well as custom reports for specific business unit needs.

Kyle Shelton, PhD, to Lead Center for Transportation Studies at the University of Minnesota

May 3, 2021

Kyle Shelton of the Kinder Institute for Urban Research at Rice University in Houston has been named the next director of the University of Minnesota Center for Transportation Studies (CTS).