Universities, industry and advisors press for larger, continuous funding for Economic Diversification Research Fund

University research leaders and outside advisers told the North Dakota Senate Appropriations Education and Environment Division that the Economic Diversification Research Fund has produced tangible research activity across the state and should be expanded and made more predictable.

“If you invest in the University of North Dakota, you will see a strong return on your investment,” said Scott Snyder, vice president for research and economic development at the University of North Dakota, during a committee hearing that included testimony from UND, NDSU, primarily undergraduate institutions and industry partners.

The EDRF was funded in the 2023 biennium and was described in testimony as a pilot that has supported infrastructure, early-career faculty, technology acceleration and undergraduate experiential learning. Several speakers asked the Legislature to increase funding in the next biennium and to consider making the appropriation continuing so institutions can plan multi-year projects.

Why it matters: Supporters said EDRF money attracts federal and industry research dollars, trains students in hands-on research, helps move university inventions toward…