NDSU, RAND Launch Research Partnership Focusing on Issues Faced in North Dakota's Rural, Remote, and Indigenous Communities

For Release

ThursdayFebruary 5, 2026

To strengthen policymaking that supports resilient, future-ready rural communities, North Dakota State University (NDSU) and RAND have launched a new research partnership focused on workforce development and other critical issues facing North Dakota.

The collaboration—part of the RAND Rural America Partnership—will combine NDSU's land-grant mission and research expertise with RAND's decades of experience providing nonpartisan, evidence-based analysis to inform public policy. Together, the institutions will develop proposed solutions to challenges in workforce readiness, access to rural health care, agricultural innovation, and economic sustainability.

“At North Dakota State University, we are deeply committed to serving the people and communities of our state,” said NDSU President David Cook. “This partnership with RAND will help us translate our research into actionable strategies that strengthen rural economies, expand workforce opportunities, and improve quality of life across North Dakota.”