Person working in a laboratory with a clear tube, partially obscured with a deep blue radial dot pattern

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
______________

large group photo
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.

Text: Research Computing Exhibition

Research Computing Exhibition - April 23, 2026

February 13, 2026

The 17th Annual Research Computing Exhibition will showcase the breadth of research supported by Research Computing resources.

A gloved hand covered in bio-hazard symbolism touches buttons with microchips on a measuring mat in the background

Organ-on-a-Chip: Simulating Human Tissues for Radiation Research

February 10, 2026

University of Minnesota researchers are at the leading edge of "organ-on-a-chip" technology, which they are using to examine the effects of low- and medium-dose radiation exposure on different tissues in the human body. 

RIO Internal Funding and Awards.

RIO 2026 Funding and Awards Programs

January 29, 2026

The Research and Innovation Office (RIO) has announced its funding and award programs for 2026, which includes a recently launched Grant-in-Aid category focused on social justice impact. 

RIO's Research Infrastructure Grant Program.

RIO Announces 2026 Research Infrastructure Investment Program

January 28, 2026

Letters of intent are now being accepted for the Research Infrastructure Investment Program which, in 2026, is being offered  as a single round in the spring only this year. LOI due February 23; full proposal due March 23.

research ethics week header

Research Ethics Week, March 2–6, 2026

January 13, 2026

Join your peers and colleagues across the University for Research Ethics Week, March 2–6, 2026, the annual week-long series of educational opportunities focused on research ethics.