Office of the Vice President for Research |

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.

COVID-19 Rapid Response Grants

OVPR is accepting applications for OVPR COVID-19 Rapid Response Grants, a program that aims to catalyze and energize small-scale research projects designed to address and mitigate the risk associated with the coronavirus pandemic, including cascading impacts in communities.

COVID-19 Rapid Response Grants

blue and yellow graphic with an outline of the state of Minnesota: MnDRIVE; Minnesota’s Discovery, Research and InnoVation Economy

MnDRIVE at 5

MnDRIVE is a landmark partnership between the University and the state of Minnesota. After five years, MnDRIVE research initiatives are showing tangible results, elevating the University's research profile in key areas and connecting with Minnesota's communities and its economy.

Learn more about MnDRIVE at 5

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.

9th

among US public research institutions

$982M

in systemwide research expenditures

103

new MN-IP agreements with industry

From Inquiry

Explore the impact of research on our world.

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Three people wearing protective face masks work on a prototype mechanical device

Open-Source Release Allows Coventor to Be Produced Worldwide

May 21, 2020

by Kevin Coss

The design for a low-cost ventilator brought to life by a team of UMN researchers and industry collaborators is now freely available to manufacturers.

Categories:

Business & Technology

Wasted Produce: Odd Looks Keep Fresh Food from Reaching the Market

May 28, 2020

by Kevin Coss

Researchers are exploring the aesthetic factors that make produce acceptable in consumers' eyes—and how to market imperfect-looking, but nutritious, food.

Categories:

Research & Discovery

News & Announcements

View More Research News & Announcements

Reading for Racial Justice Open Access Book Collection

Jun 3, 2020

The University of Minnesota Press is releasing an open access collection of antiracist books in an effort to contribute to the necessary and long overdue conversations the Twin Cities and our country must now undertake, following the killing of George Floyd.

Dr. Robert Clarke to lead The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota

May 11, 2020

Robert Clarke, PhD, DSc, of Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., has been named the next executive director of The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota.

Venture Center Holds Webinar on Startup Capitalization and Preserving Equity

Apr 21, 2020

On April 21, an online panel of experienced venture capitalists gave advice to inventors and entrepreneurs on how to assign ownership and equity in their startup companies.