The University of Minnesota oversees a number of programs and initiatives designed to support and nurture a diverse research ecosystem’s growth and innovation. A state-of-the art research infrastructure helps attract top talent to the University and provides incentive for faculty, staff and students to utilize that infrastructure in order to pursue research questions at the cutting edge of knowledge.
Research advancement is also promoted through funding and compliance support, and by providing guidance for industry partnerships. Other RIO-supported research resources are:
Research Development Office (RDO)
The Research Development Office at the University of Minnesota provides resources and services focused on increasing researchers' competitiveness in obtaining research funding and assisting them in strategically growing their research programs. The office offers help with research strategy, engagement, funding, awards, and proposal development.
Using AI in Grant Proposals
In collaboration with the UMN Gemini launch, the RDO team is developing tools and reference guides to assist researchers as they incorporate AI tools into their work.
Guide for Safely Using AI to Develop Grant Proposals
Research Advancement & Development Professionals Network (RADPN)
RADPN is focused on the professional development, training, and networking of research advancement and development professionals at the University of Minnesota.
Minnesota’s Discovery, Research, and InnoVation Economy (MnDRIVE)
MnDRIVE was initiated as a partnership between the University of Minnesota and the State of Minnesota. The program engages transdisciplinary teams of researchers across the University to address the MnDRIVE topic areas in partnership with industry and other community stakeholders.
Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI)
NRRI at the University of Minnesota-Duluth is a unique, multidisciplinary, applied research institute focused on Minnesota’s many natural resources. At research facilities in Duluth and Coleraine, the institute's 140 scientists, engineers and technicians perform applied research to develop and deliver the understanding and tools needed to utilize the state's resources in a balanced and responsible manner. NRRI's work encompasses minerals and metallurgy, forests and land, materials and bioeconomy, water, energy management, and business support.
Research Computing
Research Computing is an umbrella in the Research and Innovation Office (RIO) that consolidates management of research computing services. This administrative unit oversees the Minnesota Supercomputing Institute (MSI) and U-Spatial, among others. Both units are critical infrastructure that provide resources for compute- and data-intensive research to the University research community.