Research & Innovation Office
Research at the University of Minnesota combines the power of extensive
and collaborative research disciplines and proven market expertise to create
innovations that benefit society.
The Research and Innovation Office (RIO) helps facilitate collaborative research designed to solve our most complex problems.
Learn more about RIO
Services & Expertise
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RIO provides services and support to the University of Minnesota research community through our administrative units.
University of Minnesota Secures $23.3M to Protect Minnesota’s Natural Resources and Strengthen Community Resilience
Support from the Minnesota Legislature will advance 34 faculty-led initiatives across Minnesota to address critical threats like PFAS contamination, aquatic invasive species, and climate-driven risks to regional agriculture.
Fall 2026 Grant-in-Aid Competition Opens August 17
Applications will be accepted starting August 17 for the fall 2026 Grant-in-Aid of Research, Artistry, and Scholarship program, sponsored by the Research and Innovation Office.
Welcoming Cynthia Carnes: UMN's New Vice President for Research and Innovation
The Research and Innovation Office has awarded 24 grants as part of the Spring 2026 Grant-in-Aid program. The awards have been presented to principal investigators representing 12 colleges and two campuses.
Listening to the Invisible Signals: How 60 High Schoolers Became Health Innovators at UMN
For one week, the University of Minnesota’s East Bank became a testing ground for young scientists tackling real-world medical and environmental crises.
RIO’s 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 9.
RIO Program Awards Nearly $3 Million 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.