The Research and Innovation Office (RIO) has announced the recipients of the Innovation Impact Case Award which recognizes University of Minnesota research that has had significant impact outside of academia.
The award and prize of $10,000 went to two research projects: Stephanie Carlson and Philip Zelazo, Developmental Social Cognitive Neuroscience Lab in the Institute of Child Development, for their project “Supporting the development of executive function skills among preschool children in low-income families: A state-wide initiative in New Mexico” and Edgar Arriaga, Department of Chemistry, for his project "From students to citizen scientists: Mapping water risk in Guatemala."
RIO is proud to honor these researchers who dive into issues and come up with solutions that make a meaningful difference in our communities.
The award winners will be honored at a luncheon with VPRI Cynthia Carnes in early 2027.
Learn more about the 2026 Innovation Impact Case Award winners and their research projects.