News & Announcements
RIO News & Announcements
The Research and Innovation Office (RIO) oversees the $1.3 billion annual research enterprise at the University of Minnesota, a top public research university. RIO works with a broad range of units and partners to advance the research mission and tracks key research metrics for the University.
UMN Research Newsletter
UMN Research is a monthly newsletter produced by RIO focused on news and announcements for the University's research community. Sign up for the newsletter and submit content.
UMN Washington Update
The UMN Washington Update is a weekly digest of congressional updates and funding opportunities prepared by Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies. See the latest UMN Washington Update.
Media Inquiries
Direct media inquiries to:
Erin Dennis
Interim Senior Director for Strategic Communications
224 McNamara Alumni Center, 200 Oak St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455
[email protected]
Recent RIO News & Announcements
RIO Announces 2026 Innovation Impact Case Award Winners
Edgar Arriaga, Philip Zelazo and Stephanie Carlson are the recipients of the 2026 Innovation Impact Case Award which recognizes University of Minnesota research that has had significant impact outside of academia.
Building the Brain’s Control Center: How UMN Research is Boosting Early Childhood Success in New Mexico
A statewide initiative powered by a University of Minnesota spin-off is helping thousands of preschoolers master essential self-regulation skills before entering kindergarten.
From Students to Citizen Scientists: Mapping Water Risk in Guatemala
Through low-cost technology and international collaboration, a UMN-led team is empowering Guatemalan communities to map, monitor, and protect their vital water resources.
RIO Recognizes Ten with 2026 Research Technical Staff Awards
The Research Technical Staff Award recognizes staff for their distinguished service to the University of Minnesota research community and celebrates exemplary leadership that positively impacted their colleagues and advanced the University's mission.
University of Minnesota Secures $23.3M to Protect Minnesota’s Natural Resources and Strengthen Community Resilience
Support from the Minnesota Legislature will advance 34 faculty-led initiatives across Minnesota to address critical threats like PFAS contamination, aquatic invasive species, and climate-driven risks to regional agriculture.
Three UMN Projects Win Inaugural DOE Genesis Mission Awards to Advance AI Innovation
Three University of Minnesota research projects earned DOE Genesis Mission Phase I awards to develop and test innovative AI workflows that address critical scientific and engineering challenges.
Fall 2026 Grant-in-Aid Competition Opens August 17
Applications will be accepted starting August 17 for the fall 2026 Grant-in-Aid of Research, Artistry, and Scholarship program, sponsored by the Research and Innovation Office.
RIO’s 2026 Artist-in-Residence Program
The Artist-in-Residence Program brings together artists with scientists to spur creative thinking and innovation. Funding supports a creative interpretation of scientific research and discoveries at UMN.For 2026, LOIs are due August 10 and full proposals September 9.
Listening to the Invisible Signals: How 60 High Schoolers Became Health Innovators at UMN
For one week, the University of Minnesota’s East Bank became a testing ground for young scientists tackling real-world medical and environmental crises.