UVM is among the top tier of universities categorized by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as R1 – a recognition of an extremely robust research enterprise, and a designation earned by less than 3 percent of U.S. higher education institutions.
A researcher looking into a microscope

UVM Achieves Prestigious Carnegie R1 Designation

A transformative moment for the university, a result of decades of investment in cutting-edge research and development, faculty excellence, and academic innovation. UVM achieved R1 status in February 2025.

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What R1 Means

For UVM

R1 status allows UVM to build on its success to pursue new areas of funding and expand its capacity for cutting-edge research. It will also enhance undergraduate and graduate recruitment and attract new faculty members in the years to come.

For Vermont

For a flagship, land-grant university such as UVM, achieving R1 status carries special significance, as it strengthens its foundational mission to serve the public through education, research, and broad engagement with the community.

For People and Planet

Much of UVM’s research enterprise is related to its Planetary Health Initiative, a university-wide effort that explores the inextricable link of human wellbeing and the health of the environment so both people and planet can thrive.

Research by the Numbers

  • 1000+ Faculty and research projects started (FY 2024)
  • $266M in total external research support (FY 2024)
  • >2x growth in research funding in just five years
  • Top 10 "Most Innovative Tech Hub" - Forbes
Kirk Dombrowski smiling

Kirk Dombrowski, Vice President for Research

"For UVM, this achievement not only demonstrates how much we want to accomplish but recognizes the innovation, discovery, and scholarship our investigators and students have achieved over the years.”

Read UVM's Leadership Message

Research Spotlights

R1 SPOTLIGHT: Paul Bierman – Uncovering Greenland’s Past and a Warning for the Future

R1 SPOTLIGHT: Pablo Bose – Assessing New Threats for Refugee Camps

R1 SPOTLIGHT: Joao Costa Studies How Data Can Improve Dairy Farm Efficiency

R1 SPOTLIGHT: Mary Cushman – at the Forefront of Stroke and Brain Health Research

R1 SPOTLIGHT: Chris Danforth – Using Data to Develop Personalized Recipes for Health

 View More Research Spotlights and Stories
Patricia A. Prelock

Patricia Prelock, Interim President

"Attaining R1 status will extend UVM’s ability to attract the best talent, secure groundbreaking grants, and contribute to solving global challenges."

Read UVM Leadership's Message

UVM Research In The News

A row of computer servers.

Analyzing Social Media with Applied Mathematics

Explore how social media has become a space for public self-reflection, where users constantly check in on themselves and others. In a world of curated posts and endless scrolling, are we truly okay—or just performing it?

Producing the Future of Semiconductor Innovation

The Green Mountain State is pushing to be a leader in the production of next-generation gallium nitride, GaN, semiconductors that are used in cars, smart devices, data centers, aerospace, and defense.

Rediscovering Extinct Plants

Grace Glynn, who acquired her expertise in UVM's field naturalist program, has rediscovered plants thought to be extinct in Vermont.
Hikers walking along a mountain trail

Research Week

Celebrate R1 and all of UVM's research achievements with a week of events, workshops, research slams, and more from April 21-25.

Full Schedule of Research Week Events