Abstract image: blue, purple, pinks

Research Impact

The University of Minnesota is a top public research institution conducting innovative and impactful research across a broad range of fields and disciplines. Our researchers improve our understanding of the world and help facilitate technologies and ideas that positively impact the prosperity, welfare, and security of our communities, state, nation, and beyond.

Rylie Pelton stands in front of a presentation projected on a screen.

Transforming Sustainability Research into Industry Action

Institute on the Environment (IonE) research scientist Rylie Pelton applies her IonE sustainability learnings to the real world through her consulting company, LEIF, LLC.

Read More
Emily Fairfax

Using AI to Support Beaver Conservation

Emily Fairfax’s passion for all things beaver shines through her research, which uses artificial intelligence to better understand beaver contributions to the landscape and led to a collaboration with Google.

Read More

UMN's Research Enterprise

illustration of a graph

The University of Minnesota had $1.13 billion in external research award funding in fiscal year 2023, the second largest award total ever.

Learn about the impact of UMN research and its role in advancing innovation and fostering economic development in the region. View research statistics

12th
among US public research institutions
$1.227B
in systemwide research expenditures (FY 2022)
240+
startup companies since 2006
Thierry Boudet stands in front of Northrop Auditorium

Thierry Boudet Transitions to New Role as Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives

March 19, 2024

In his new role, Thierry Boudet is responsible for high-impact assignments that advance the VPR's strategic priorities and grow the University's research enterprise.

Read More
Innovation Impact Case Award

Apply Starting April 1 - Innovation Impact Case Award

March 19, 2024

This award recognizes research that has led to significant impact outside of academia and has made a meaningful difference in our communities. 

Read More
Woman at podium in conference room full of people.

The 16th SPA Symposium Unveils Modern Grants Management System

March 13, 2024

Over 400 research staff attended the SPA Symposium to learn more about the University of Minnesota’s new and improved grants management system, MN-GEMS. 

Read More
Woman stands before screen giving presentation in conference room

ARPA-E Officials Visit Researchers at UMN Twin Cities and Duluth

March 12, 2024

In February, US Department of Energy Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) officials heard about promising UMN research into sustainable mining and energy technologies and informed the UMN research community about ARPA-E’s interest in funding disruptive research.

Read More
Two people talking in a conference room

UMN Research Ethics Day Serves as Centerpiece of Research Ethics Week

March 5, 2024

The annual UMN Research Ethics Day Conference focused on the importance of building partnerships to advance ethical research and featured presentations by 10 experts and an audience of more than 600 from universities, companies, health care organizations, and government agencies across the U.S. and around the world.

Read More
Social Justice Impact Grants, Research and Innovation Office

Social Justice Impact Grants Announced

February 9, 2024

RIO will start accepting applications for its Social Justice Impact Grants on February 19. The grants are aimed at catalyzing rigorous, solution-oriented research on social justice topics.

Read More