A challenge for NDSU has been balancing the time our researchers require to do their best work with all the rest of the responsibilities that are required of them. What if we could give them time to develop their skills and practice their craft? What if we could give them the time to really think about that next big idea that might just change the world?

This fund will enable our North Dakota State University researchers to focus more extensively on their work by providing resources to buy out some of their time commitments. At many other research universities across the country, buyouts of faculty time are normalized as they allow them to rededicate and prioritize their time on research.

Students benefit by having the opportunity to learn from more than one expert in a field. Researchers benefit from having a direct focus on their work and NDSU benefits by providing balance and retaining the brightest researchers. At the same time, we give our researchers the opportunity to develop their skills to a high level and to truly excel in their fields.

Please support the Transformative Research Leaders Fund on NDSU Giving Day on November 28.

Your support of the Undergraduate Research Fund on Giving Day will enrich the academic experience of NDSU undergraduate researchers and will empower them to develop critical thinking and research skills that will lead them down pathways of discovery. 

Whether majoring in the sciences, engineering, business, arts, or humanities, all undergraduate students are encouraged to participate in research and creative activity to enrich their academic experience and develop the skills needed to solve real-world problems. Participation in research and creative projects outside of regular coursework enhances students’ leadership and communication skills while building a community a scholars and tomorrow’s workforce.

Your gift to the Research and Creative Activity Undergraduate Research Fund will support undergraduate research initiatives at NDSU including NDSU EXPLORE, a university-wide program that celebrates the scholarly accomplishments of undergraduate student researchers and our EXPLORE Undergraduate Research Program that invites students from across the world to explore research opportunities at NDSU.