UMN Natural Resources Research Institute Employee Directory
Research ServicesMinnesota, United States51-200 Employees
UMN Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) is a Minnesota-based research organization established in 1983 to conduct applied studies that support environmental stewardship and the sustainable development of the state’s natural resources. Operating within the University of Minnesota system, NRRI brings together engineers, scientists, technicians, and students across two industrial research facilities to deliver bench-to-pilot scale work that reduces risk in commercializing innovations. The institute focuses on three strategic initiatives—Ecosystem Resilience, Future Forest Industries, and Iron and Minerals of the Future—with an integrated platform that covers water, wildlife, forest resources, energy, and materials. NRRI emphasizes collaboration with industry, academia, and other stakeholders to provide scale-up capabilities and practical, timely solutions for partners seeking to utilize Minnesota’s natural resources responsibly. Located in Duluth, Minnesota, NRRI serves as a bridge between fundamental research and applied outcomes within the broader UMN R1 research enterprise. A recent development note reflects continued activity in higher education research ecosystems as universities expand cross-disciplinary partnerships and licensing models to broaden access to research outputs.