Research & Innovation

Get help with your research needs

We can help you with your research needs and transportation questions! Not sure where to start? Fill out this quick and easy form, and a staff member will follow up with you:

Research needs request form

You can also check out our menu of services for specific needs. Use the links to learn more and submit your request.

• Submit research ideas using IdeaScale: Have a new research idea? Use the IdeaScale portal, which is accessible throughout the year.
• Transportation Research Synthesis (TRS): Need technical and/or policy information on a specific research topic? A TRS is a concise, quick-turnaround option.
• Guidelines for RAC Surveys - Research & Innovation - MnDOT: Use to solicit information from agencies nationwide about policies, specifications, and best practices.
• Multi-state Transportation Pooled (TPF) Funds research: MnDOT leads and participates in several TPF research projects, where multiple states collaborate on a topic of interest and contribute to the cost of doing research.
• MnDOT’s research implementation program: All MnDOT employees can propose ideas at any time for the implementation of completed research.
• LRRB Research and Implementation Program: The Minnesota Local Road Research Board (LRRB) is a practitioner-run organization that sponsors research, implementation, and educational initiatives that address local transportation needs.

Need something from MnDOT library?

• Explore the library collection: The library provides access to publications that support transportation information on different transportation related topics.
• MnDOT Digital Library: This digital repository contains MnDOT publications, including research reports, internal agency history, standards and specifications, and maps.
• Ask a librarian Submit a simple form to contact a library staff member to ask a question or request research assistance.
• Library alerts: MnDOT Library offers multiple ways to stay current.  Subscribe to library alerts to receive e-mail updates with news about emerging transportation topics and new library materials.

National and international databases

• National and International Research Resources: Search the integrated Transport Research International Documentation (TRID) database for national and international research. TRID provides access to 1.5 million records of transportation research worldwide.

If you have any questions or prefer to speak to someone, contact research.dot@state.mn.us to talk about what you need.