NDSU Emerging Research Areas

During the summer of 2025, the NDSU Deans and RCA leadership team convened a series of strategic sessions designed to examine mechanisms for collaborative engagement and to identify opportunities for aligning institutional resources with the university’s research strengths. These sessions yielded a set of emerging research initiatives based on demonstrated momentum within the research community, projected benefit to the state of North Dakota, and capacity to foster interdisciplinary collaboration across colleges.

MATERIALS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Purpose: To drive innovation, workforce development, and economic growth through cutting-edge research in materials research and development, including in the areas of sustainable materials, functional coatings, and advanced manufacturing.

Strategic Focus: Establish NDSU as a recognized hub for interdisciplinary materials science through the launch of new academic programs, strengthened industry partnerships, expanded shared infrastructure, and the pursuit of center-level funding opportunities.

PRECISION AGRICULTURE AND AGTECH INNOVATION

Purpose: To be a research and education leader in regionally tailored precision agriculture solutions, developing scalable, data-driven, and biologically informed solutions to feed a growing world while stewarding our natural resources.

Strategic Focus: Develop scalable ag-tech solutions through interdisciplinary partnerships, regional testbeds, workforce development programs, and the strategic growth of the NDSU Peltier Institute for Advancement in Agricultural Technology and other platforms for center-level funding opportunities.

RURAL AND COMMUNITY HEALTH & BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

Purpose: To improve the health and quality of life of North Dakotans by advancing biomedical research, expanding rural healthcare access, and strengthening the biomedical workforce.

Strategic Focus: Position NDSU as a national leader in rural health and biomedical innovation through strategic partnerships with health systems and industry, investments in research infrastructure, and by developing educational pathways and community-based initiatives.

STEWARDING THE STORIES, PLACES, AND PEOPLE OF NORTH DAKOTA

Purpose: To elevate North Dakota’s cultural, historical, and environmental legacies through interdisciplinary scholarship, public engagement, and creative stewardship grounded in place-based storytelling and land-grant values.

Strategic Focus: Position NDSU as a regional and national leader in public humanities and cultural preservation by strengthening partnerships, expanding infrastructure, supporting faculty innovation, and launching signature initiatives.


Keywords:
emerging research 
Doc ID:
155018
Owned by:
Fred H. in NDSU Research and Creative Activity
Created:
2025-09-22
Updated:
2025-10-31
Sites:
NDSU Research and Creative Activity