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̽̽ 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

̽̽ 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. ̽̽ achieved R1 status in February 2025.

What R1 Means

For ̽̽

R1 status allows ̽̽ 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 ̽̽, 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 ̽̽’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 ̽̽, 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 ̽̽'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 ̽̽’s ability to attract the best talent, secure groundbreaking grants, and contribute to solving global challenges."

Read ̽̽ Leadership's Message

̽̽ Research In The News

Hikers walking along a mountain trail

Research Week

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

Full Schedule of Research Week Events