Bring Researchers and Minnesotans Together We bring meaningful, face-to-face engagement to the Minnesota State Fair. By creating a welcoming space, we facilitate connections between the public and researchers, holding space for curious questions and thoughtful listening. Ultimately, these personal interactions help demystify the scientific process, build public trust, and strengthen the University’s relationship with communities across the state.
Support fast, efficient, and diverse participant recruitment for studies of all kinds.
Map of Fair enrollees by zip code 2014-2024.
In this time of lean research budgets, the ability to meet recruitment goals in a short time span and at minimal cost is critical. Over 50,000 potential research subjects walk through our doors during the 12 days of the State Fair each year. Researchers have stated that the number of subjects they are able to recruit at the fair would have taken six months to two years to recruit by other means.
Many University studies recruit primarily from the University community; meanwhile, fairgoers come from every Minnesota county and the entire Midwest region, providing access to a wider cross-section of people. A review of ten years worth of demographics completed in 2024 shows enrollees at the Fair hail from all 87 Minnesota counties, 72% of MN zip codes, and 48 states. Approximately 20% of D2D participants reside outside the 7-county metro area.
Showcase the breadth and impact of Minnesota-based research to hundreds of thousands of fairgoers each year. The State Fair Research Building provides a very public face for the University that serves several important purposes, including showcasing the breadth and excellence of University research, communicating research results directly to the public, acting as a pipeline to studies conducted at the University, and enhancing the University’s reputation in human subjects research protection.
Promote widespread participation in research and inspire Minnesotans to see themselves as essential partners in discovery. Minnesotans are essential partners in research and we welcome thousands of fairgoers every summer. For many, this is their first time engaging with research. By bringing research questions to the State Fair, investigators share their enthusiasm for science and model the vital role research plays in our daily lives.
The UMN’s Research Building is more than a destination, it’s a catalyst where we’re developing a culture of research participation. We believe every Minnesotan is an essential partner in discovery. Our survey results show that the spark of curiosity doesn't end at the Fair as many participants are eager to join additional University studies but simply aren’t sure where to look.
We strive to be a trusted bridge between the University and the public and are committed to making research accessible to everyone. Whether you visit annually or are a first-time volunteer, your voice and your participation drive the breakthroughs of tomorrow.
Ready to keep discovering? Explore more opportunities through UMN StudyFinder.
Provide the opportunity for unique studies and longitudinal tracking. The State Fair provides numerous possibilities for innovative study designs, including large-scale genomic collections. Many fairgoers return to the fair year-after-year, enabling low-cost, efficient longitudinal follow-up not feasible in other venues.
Promote faculty and student engagement. This resource bridges the gap for a wide range of academics, from seasoned researchers requiring rapid pilot data for new projects to students and early-stage investigators gathering preliminary findings for dissertations or initial grants.
Participating teams have noted that the collaborative environment fosters a unique esprit de corps, sparking serendipitous interactions across diverse disciplines. For students, the experience offers invaluable public engagement, directly supporting numerous theses and providing the efficiency needed to remain on track for graduation.