Two female student wearing lab coats working in scientific lab

Research

Discovery happens here. The University of Minnesota Twin Cities is a top 10 U.S. public research university with world-class academics, award-winning faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities. Our researchers and students uncover new knowledge and find solutions to some of the most complex challenges facing society today.

10th

Among public research institutions

2.1+

Million Square Feet of Research Space

Nobel Prize Recipients

10th

Among public research institutions

2.1+

Million Square Feet of Research Space

Nobel Prize Recipients

Student Research

From unlocking the secrets of DNA repair to zero gravity flight, students experience the thrill of discovery, learning under the direction of faculty who are leaders in their fields.

student working outside in a field gathering plants

Undergraduate Research

In fields from engineering to medicine, business, law, and liberal arts, our students become tomorrow’s trailblazers through limitless research opportunities.

Internship and Research Opportunities

Graduate Research

Graduate students have the opportunity to perform research through any of more than 200 master’s and doctoral degree programs.

Graduate School Education

“It felt like a big thing for me, going to college and especially getting a degree that’s basically shorthand for rocket science.”

Robert Halverson, '21

Aerospace Engineering

Read Robert’s story

Research in the Colleges

With 16 colleges and more than 300 centers and institutes, the opportunities for discovery are endless.

Our centers and institutes connect researchers with similar interests to increase funding and strengthen the quality of research.

All Centers and Institutes

Industry and Collaborations

Our research advances society through new ideas, technologies, treatments, and cures, and we continue to create and transfer technology to companies for the development of new products and services that benefit the public good and foster economic growth.

$8.6 billion

economic impact in Minnesota

Fortune 500 companies--fourth in the nation, per capita.

$1.01 billion

in research expenditures

Discover Unique Opportunities

We drive innovation that lifts Minnesota and solves global challenges. We do this by working together—with government, business, and industry partners—in new and creative ways.

Technology Commercialization Venture Center Minnesota Innovation Partnerships MnDRIVE Industry Engagement

Faculty Resources

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities is one of the most comprehensive research universities in the nation. We support the groundbreaking interdisciplinary research efforts of our more than 5,000 faculty, who are driven to make the world a better place through research and discovery.

Academic Affairs and Provost Office of the Vice President for Research Office for Public Engagement

Research News

Research Brief

Induced flaws in quantum materials could enhance superconducting properties

In a surprising discovery, an international team of researchers, led by scientists in the University of Minnesota Center for Quantum Materials, found that deformations in quantum materials that cause imperfections in the crystal structure can actually improve the material’s superconducting and electrical properties.

Research Brief

Researchers and citizen scientists complete first-ever Weddell seal count

A research team led by the University of Minnesota Twin Cities has completed a first-ever global population estimate of Weddell seals in Antarctica, showing that there are significantly fewer seals than previously thought. Documenting the seals’ population trends over time will help scientists better understand the effects of climate change and commercial fishing.

Expert Alert

Next-generation Earth systems science report

Melissa Kenney with the University of Minnesota’s Institute on the Environment is available to provide expert comment on the Next Generation Earth Systems Science at the National Science Foundation report.