UNLV has retained its status as one of the nation’s highest-performing research universities, earning recognition as a Research 1 (R1) institution by the Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education (ACE) for 2025.
The R1 designation – which UNLV first achieved in 2018 and retained in 2021 – is the gold standard for university research metrics and reaffirms the university’s commitment to excellence in research, scholarship, and creative activity.
“UNLV’s continued recognition as an R1 university reinforces our growing reputation as a research powerhouse and hub for innovation,” said UNLV President Keith E. Whitfield. “Our faculty and students are engaged in groundbreaking research every day that tackles some of the world’s biggest challenges — from chronic disease and brain health to sustainable energy, artificial intelligence, and much more. We are determined to find solutions that improve lives and create a lasting impact.”
The Carnegie classification for research activity is based on federally reported research spending and doctoral degree productivity in fiscal year 2023, or a three-year institutional average.
R1 institutions are defined for the current classification period as those with more than $50 million in research expenditures and more than 70 research doctorates awarded. UNLV reported $98,751,000 in total expenditures for FY23 and awarded 250 research doctorates during the 2022-23 academic year. UNLV exceeded the benchmark for research doctorates by a remarkable 244% above the required threshold.
Securing federal and external funding is crucial for achieving UNLV’s Top Tier 2.0 research goals by 2030 and retaining its R1 designation. Over the next five years, UNLV aims to reach $250 million in research expenditures. And the university is already on track, with FY24 sponsored program expenditures up 15% to $116.4 million.
“Year after year, our researchers are making a real impact, both here in Nevada and around the world,” said Chris L. Heavey, UNLV executive vice president and provost. “This latest R1 designation is a testament to their continued hard work and dedication. As we build on this momentum, our priority is to ensure they have the resources, collaboration opportunities, and institutional support needed to take their research even further.”
UNLV's ongoing investment in research is fueling growth in key areas, including developing a comprehensive Academic Health Center. This center will transform healthcare in Southern Nevada by integrating clinical care, interdisciplinary research, education, and community engagement from the university’s health sciences and related disciplines.
UNLV research is also tackling critical challenges head-on. In sustainable energy, the university is a driving force behind the NSF-funded Southwest Sustainability Innovation Engine (SWSIE), a multi-state initiative focused on carbon capture, water security, and renewable energy. In health, researchers like Dr. Buddha Dawn are pioneering new heart attack treatments with a $2.1 million NIH grant, while Dr. Francis Cucinotta is studying the impact of radiation exposure on breast cancer risk with $1.5 million from the DOE.
The university continues to make advancements in other areas such as clinical trials research, brain health and Alzheimer's, and research on nuclear energy and isotopes. From groundbreaking advancements in health and technology to sustainability and social impact, UNLV’s research enterprise is on a trajectory of growth, driving progress and making a tangible difference in the lives of Nevadans.
For the first time, the Carnegie/ACE research activity designation is published separately from the group’s overall institutional classifications. The basic institutional classifications, which will include non-research focused characteristics, are expected in April. The next update to research activity designations is scheduled for 2028.
For more information about UNLV’s R1 designation and research infrastructure, visit unlv.edu/r1-research.
