Strategy & Engagement Core
Provides strategic intelligence and planning as well as proactive stakeholder and partner engagement.
RIO Funding & Awards Core
Administers internal grant competitions and award programs that seed innovative research.
Proposal Development Core
Provides tailored services to support grant proposal development and submission for a wide range of funding agencies and grants.
Services & Expertise
RDO provides resources and services to help researchers compete for internal and external funding and strategically grow their research programs.
Strategy and Engagement Core
Strategic Intelligence, Forecasting and Planning
- Horizon scanning and landscape analysis
- Funding opportunity identification
- Strategic planning for research teams and units
Proposal Strategy
- Review and consulting on funder priorities
- Proposal strategy development
- Project planning and management/governance strategy
Stakeholder and Partner Engagement
- Stakeholder and partner identification and network building
- Convenings and facilitation services
RIO Funding and Awards
- Internal research funding opportunities (pre and post award management)
- Internal awards programs
- Limited submissions
- Matching funds program
Collaborations and Initiatives
- Committee support (CRAD, RAD+, RADPN)
- Interdisciplinary research support initiatives
RIO Internal Funding and Awards Programs
Proposal Development Core
Proposal Development and Management
- Project management
- Review and consulting on proposal requirements
- Team formation and wrap around support
- Budget strategy and development
- Cost share identification and recruitment
- Proposal writing for non-scientific sections
Proposal Review and Submission
- Proposal editing
- Proposal review coordination (e.g., red team review)
- Coordination with Research Administration on MN-GEMS submission
- Coordination on submission for funder-specific platforms (e.g. research.gov)
Post-Submission Support
- Site visit strategy
- Program/project start-up support
RDO News & Announcements
Announcing the 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 8.
Nearly $3 Million Awarded to Support UMN Research Infrastructure
The Research and Innovation Office has awarded Research Infrastructure Investment Program funds to eight outstanding projects for its 2026 cycle. One-to-one matching funds provided by supporting units resulted in over $2.88 million in total funds awarded.
National Security Research Institute Launches Second Round of Seed Grants
NSRI seed grants will help advance national security research and education at the University while connecting PIs to the NSRI’s initiatives. For the fall 2026 cycle, the program will fund up to two awards of up to $95,000 each for one year.