Research for Healthy Lives
A food system should support farmers, and nutritious food should be accessible to everyone. Farmer livelihood and food access typically aren’t studied together. That requires research for healthy lives.
UMD’s Land Lab is a food justice and environmental research center set on 10 acres of organic farmland.
Food is so readily available in the grocery store that farmers have a hard time competing with a heavily subsidized food system.
To make sure farmers are making enough money, food prices become unaffordable to those who have a low income.
"One of the greatest challenges for farmers is that they’re lacking the social infrastructure and recognition that what they’re doing is a public good."
Teresa Bertossi, professor, UMD Environmental Studies and Geography
Research for healthier lakes.
Keeping invasive spiny water fleas out of Minnesota’s lakes and rivers means that walleyes and other fish continue to thrive, and that’s good for Minnesota’s tourism and restaurant industries. Learn more about our research on spiny water fleas .
Research for cleaner water.
Minnesota lakes and ecosystems need to be protected for future generations. People need clean water and a clean environment to thrive. When microplastics get into the environment there is concern they will damage the ecosystem and human health. Learn more about our research on microplastics .
Research for amplified care.
Augmenting the care humans provide allows people with dementia to stay independent longer. This takes research for smarter robotics. Learn more about how Pepper the robot is helping senior citizens maintain quality of living and delay assisted living care.
