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
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Services & Expertise
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RIO provides services and support to the University of Minnesota research community through our administrative units.
RIO Announces 2026 Innovation Impact Case Award Winners
Edgar Arriaga, Philip Zelazo and Stephanie Carlson are the recipients of the 2026 Innovation Impact Case Award which recognizes University of Minnesota research that has had significant impact outside of academia.
Building the Brain’s Control Center: How UMN Research is Boosting Early Childhood Success in New Mexico
A statewide initiative powered by a University of Minnesota spin-off is helping thousands of preschoolers master essential self-regulation skills before entering kindergarten.
RIO Recognizes Ten with 2026 Research Technical Staff Awards
The Research Technical Staff Award recognizes staff for their distinguished service to the University of Minnesota research community and celebrates exemplary leadership that positively impacted their colleagues and advanced the University's mission.
Three UMN Projects Win Inaugural DOE Genesis Mission Awards to Advance AI Innovation
Three University of Minnesota research projects earned DOE Genesis Mission Phase I awards to develop and test innovative AI workflows that address critical scientific and engineering challenges.
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
Cynthia Carnes joined the University as vice president for research and innovation on July 31. Get to know our new VPRI and learn more about her priorities for RIO.