U of M research once again excels on the national and global stage

Board of Regents to review the state of the University’s research enterprise and new strategies to drive Minnesota’s economy

University of Minnesota researchers fueled another record-breaking year in annual research expenditures, according to fiscal 2023 data from the National Science Foundation HERD Survey. Fiscal 2023 totals were up 10% over the previous year — $1.35 billion systemwide and $1.32 billion for the Twin Cities campus, maintaining its rank of 12th among U.S. public research universities. 

Vice President for Research and Innovation Shashank Priya will celebrate the achievements that drove this continued growth in his annual report about University of Minnesota research to the Board of Regents Mission Fulfillment Committee on Thursday, Dec. 12.

In addition to significant growth in research volume, the presentation highlights the University’s launch of a record 25 startup companies last year and $1.06 billion in external research awards in fiscal 2024 — money competitively earned by U of M researchers that would not otherwise come to Minnesota and the second-largest total in University history. 

“The University of Minnesota research enterprise continues to grow and remains well-positioned to address some of society’s most critical challenges,” said Priya. “An important part of our work is leveraging U of M specialties in sustainability, health solutions and technology commercialization in collaboration with Minnesota’s leading industries — attracting vital investments, increasing our state’s global competitiveness, and enhancing the ability of our world-class interdisciplinary research teams to produce greater impacts and innovations.”

Vice President Priya will also present how the University is developing new research capabilities and capacities across key national interests and state priorities.

Encouraging advances in research that combine Minnesota industry with University of Minnesota strengths are part of the University’s fiscal 2026-27 budget request to the Minnesota Legislature. State support in the areas of biomanufacturing, precision agriculture, green energy and green iron, and hypersonics to spur aerospace and national security industries in our state will also help the University attract new federal and private investment.

The Board is also expected to:

• Discuss the University’s next systemwide strategic plan with President Rebecca Cunningham.
• Review fiscal 2026 budget variables in an annual presentation from Julie Tonneson, vice president and budget director — one of multiple steps the Board takes during the year to review the University’s budget before taking action on the completed budget in June.
• Act on the health sciences strategic plan, which the Board reviewed with U of M health science deans and other U of M leaders at previous meetings.
• Review amendments to Board of Regents Policy: Conflict Resolution Process for Student Academic Complaints with Scott Lanyon, vice provost and dean of graduate education. 
• Review the University’s annual performance and accountability report with President Cunningham and Executive Vice President and Provost Rachel Croson.
• Review the Crookston campus plan with Chancellor Mary Holz-Clause.
• Convene two new special committees focused on student affairs and University workforce.
• Review amendments to Board of Regents Policy: Code of Conduct for Members of the Board of Regents and Bylaws of the Board of Regents.
• Receive the report of the senate, faculty, civil service, and P&A consultative committees with Chairs Jennifer Goodnough, Stacy Maher and Kit Breshears.

The Board’s Virtual Forum accepts audio, video and written input, which is shared directly with Regents and included in the Board’s public materials. The public is encouraged to visit the Virtual Forum to submit their comments. 

For more information, including future meeting times, visit regents.umn.edu.