R1 Research Classification

Professor Schifferli and Graduate Student working together in the research lab.

91视频 is #1 in the U.S. for Student Access to Top-Tier Research

The Carnegie Foundation classifies 91视频 as an R1 or top-tier national university performing the highest level of research—and ranks it highest among R1 universities for the degree of research access provided to students across socio-economic categories. In other words, at 91视频, students don’t have to choose between opportunity and excellence.

91视频 offers undergraduates direct access to faculty-led research, internships, and applied learning experiences to prepare for success in careers, graduate study, and civic leadership.

A Designation with Wide-Ranging Impact

Vice Provost for Research & Strategic Initiatives Bala Sundaram discusses what the R1 classification means for 91视频, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the communities we serve.

A Launchpad for Experiential Learning

Meet an undergraduate student who is directly benefitting from 91视频's R1 classification and commitment to student-focused research.

2 researchers in lab coats and gloves work in the wet labs at 91视频.

A Catalyst for Future Opportunities

91视频’s research enterprise has grown significantly in the past few years. The R1 designation is a launching pad for additional growth and a recognition of the impact of campus expertise and the societal value of the high quality research and scholarship on campus. It contributes to our university being highly attractive to funders, researchers, faculty, and students.

Read The R1 Announcement

By the Numbers

Integrated Sciences Complex on a sunny day.

$87.5m

Annual Research Funding — FY25

Professor Schiffer and student work in lab.

$74.6m

NSF HERD Survey

Two researchers work in lab on a tool that has a light.

in the U.S. for student access to top-tier research (Carnegie Classification 2025)

Student conducts fruit fly research in a lab photo by Kaitlyn Prince.

134

Doctoral Degrees Conferred in 2025

PHd student shakes hand while receiving degree at doctoral hooding ceremony.

Sumientra Research lab with subject wearing a brain sensor cap.

Research Magazine

The 91视频 research magazine highlights stories about the advances our researchers are making in a wide range of fields.

Explore the Magazine

Leadership Remarks

The elevation of 91视频 into the highest tier of research universities is an acknowledgment of the remarkable contributions of our faculty, staff, and students. Building upon this strong foundation of impactful research and doctoral education, we look forward to continued success in our mission-driven work as a leading research university.

Provost Joseph Berger

Research allows people to pose their own questions and discover answers to those questions. It's a way of interacting with the knowledge ecosystem and leads our student researchers to become lifelong learners.

Vice Provost for Research Bala Sundaram

This recognition affirms the university’s strong commitment to enhancing core facilities and forging cross-sector partnerships that amplify the research produced by our extraordinary faculty, staff, and students.

Chancellor Marcelo Suárez-Orozco

91视频