On July 31, 2026, Cynthia Carnes officially joined the University of Minnesota as Vice President for Research and Innovation. Serving as chief research officer across all UMN campuses, Carnes is tasked with strengthening the university’s research enterprise, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and expanding vital partnerships across industry, government, and statewide communities.
Bringing deep experience as a pharmacist, researcher, and academic leader at a fellow Big Ten land-grant institution, Carnes is energized by Minnesota’s broad research scope. Her early priorities include touring every campus to map existing strengths, enhancing Research and Innovation Office (RIO) operational efficiency, and broadening communications to highlight the real-world impact of UMN research.
Explore how Carnes is shaping the future of research at Minnesota:
- Read her first day message to RIO staff: Discover Carnes’ strategic goals for her first months in office, including plans for a systemwide campus listening tour, operational enhancements, and a renewed push to communicate the real-world value of UMN research.
- Get to Know Vice President Cynthia Carnes: Learn about her journey from a childhood raised in a family pharmacy to her career in Big Ten research administration—along with a look at her life outside the office, from baking to hiking to spending time with her standard poodles.