The University of Toledo has earned R1 classification for very high research activity in the latest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education announced Wednesday.
The Carnegie Commission on Higher Education developed the classification in 1973 to support its program of research and policy analysis. It is the leading framework for describing colleges and universities in the United States.
“This is an important milestone for the University of Toledo that recognizes our leadership role in conducting innovative academic research and educating students at the highest level,” UT interim President Matt Schroeder said. “It is important for our university and for our community. It is a really big deal. We are the only ones in the region to achieve this.”
Universities that achieve this highest research designation average at least $50 million in total annual research spending and award at least 70 research doctorates annually.
UT researchers earned more than $72.2 million in competitive external awards during fiscal year 2024, Mr. Schroeder said. It is the second-highest total in the institution’s history. UT conferred 120 doctoral research degrees in the 2024 fiscal year, and 116 in the 2023 fiscal year.
There are 187 total institutions of higher education with an R1 classification in the nation, and seven in Ohio. UT now joins Ohio State University, the University of Cincinnati, Ohio University, Case Western Reserve University, University of Dayton, and Kent State University in achieving the highest ranking.
“It was a nine-year journey to get to this status,” Mr. Schroeder said. “I say it all of the time, but what we are doing now to attract students and faculty won’t be fully realized for a few years down the road. We have spent the last nine years attracting and recruiting the faculty and having programs like physics, astronomy, health sciences, and the Lake Erie Center where the research is done. We have been investing in human capital. That has allowed us to scale up our research programs.”
Mr. Schroeder said UT also has exceptional undergraduates, graduate students, and research assistants who help in the labs.
“We have an exceptional faculty that has a passion for research,” Mr. Schroeder said. “Since 2019 we have had 55 percent growth in highly competitive research awards. We have also had the support of Representative Marcy Kaptur at the federal level to help us be in this position and to be able to compete for the award opportunities.”
Mr. Schroeder believes the R1 status will attract high-achieving students and faculty to campus who want to “be part of a university recognized for academic excellence and amazing research opportunities.”
“The depth and breadth of our programs will bring students here,” Mr. Schroeder said. “It will attract more support for research and innovation that benefits our region and the world. Students can participate in research alongside internationally acclaimed researchers even as undergraduates. That will increase enrollment.”
UT’s areas of established research include astronomy and astrophysics; solar energy, water quality, and sustainable technologies; and cell architecture and dynamics.
“UToledo’s robust research enterprise is bolstered by our valuable connections with industrial partners and collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy’s national laboratories on projects to develop breakthrough solutions to global challenges, particularly clean energy, grid security, water quality, human health, and manufacturing,” said Frank Calzonetti, vice president for innovation and economic development.
“At UToledo, we have built strong research programs through the efforts of our faculty and researchers who make scientific discoveries in sophisticated laboratories while engaging students throughout the process and creating a pipeline of experienced scientists,” said Constance Schall, interim vice president for research. “This work is not only important to advance knowledge, but university research is relevant and applicable to solving real world challenges. We are proud to be recognized as a research leader.”
Mr. Schroeder said UT will continue to work to expand programs and attract faculty and students.
“Now we have to pause and celebrate our accomplishments and that we have met our goals,” Mr. Schroeder said. “We have had 70 research doctorates graduate yearly, and we had $72.2 million in awards last year. I would say those make up our new floor. We have to keep our foot on the gas and continue to support our faculty and programs.”
First Published February 13, 2025, 8:26 p.m.
