University of Minnesota research delivers results for state and beyond

The University of Minnesota’s research enterprise elevated its scale, strength and impact for another year, underscoring its ability to meet the state’s future challenges and deliver results across all of Minnesota.

The Board of Regents Mission Fulfillment Committee will review the annual report on the University’s research enterprise with Interim Vice President for Research and Innovation Joanne Billings at its Feb. 12 meeting.

University of Minnesota researchers fueled another record-breaking year in annual research expenditures, according to fiscal year 2024 data from the National Science Foundation Higher Education Research and Development survey. FY24 totals were up 6.8% over the previous year — $1.44 billion systemwide and $1.41 billion for the Twin Cities campus — marking the first time annual research and development expenditures exceeded $1.4 billion.  The University maintained its rank of 12th among U.S. public research universities.

“This ranking tells a deeper story – it reflects the national competitiveness of our faculty, the trust federal agencies place in our teams, and the University’s ability to solve complex challenges at scale,” Billings said. “For Minnesota, that matters directly: it means our state is home to one of the most productive public research engines in the country, one that helps drive economic vitality, workforce development, and community well-being.”

In addition, the University of Minnesota launched a record-breaking 26 startups in fiscal year 2025, received 450 new invention disclosures, executed 248 licensing deals and submitted 116 first patent filings. The University ranks third in startup creation among public universities. 

Also in February, the Board is expected to:

• Receive an update on University enrollment planning from Executive Vice President and Provost Gretchen Ritter and Vice President for Strategic Initiatives Ryan Schmiesing. 
• Review the fiscal 2027 annual operating budget framework, one of multiple steps the Board takes during the year to review the University’s budget before taking action on the final version in June, with Koryn Zewers, interim vice president and budget director. 
• Discuss the University of Minnesota Rochester’s connection to Mayo Clinic’s Destination Medical Center with Chancellor Lori Carrell. 
• Act on the University’s annual performance and accountability report. 
• Act on Elevate Extraordinary 2030 metrics, which outline success measures for the University of Minnesota’s strategic imperatives and priorities, with a particular focus on the University’s vital role in the state’s  health, well-being and economic prosperity. 
• Receive an overview of the University’s strategy to support state, federal and community relations with Vice President for Government and Community Relations Erin Sexton. 

All in-person meeting attendees at the McNamara Alumni Center are required to go through security screening. Visitors are encouraged to allow ample time for the screening process. A livestream of the meeting and recordings of previous meetings are available at youtube.com/UMNRegents.

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.