With the release of the new 2025 Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, Kent State University has once again been awarded the prestigious R1 designation, recognizing Kent State as one of the top research universities in the nation. This esteemed classification, which the university first received in 2022, is a testament to Kent State’s commitment to excellence in research, innovation and scholarship.
The R1 designation is the highest level of research activity for doctoral universities, placing Kent State among an elite group of institutions known for their significant contributions to research and development and the training of Ph.D. students. With the Carnegie Classifications’ new 2025 Research Activity Designations, Kent State is now one of seven universities in Ohio to be designated R1, along with Case Western Reserve University, Ohio State University, Ohio University, the University of Cincinnati, the University of Dayton and the University of Toledo. Only 187 universities in the nation have R1 status, placing Kent State in the top 5% of institutions with respect to research activity.
“This achievement reflects the hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff and students who continue to push the boundaries of knowledge and discovery,” Kent State President Todd Diacon said. “We are honored to receive the R1 research designation once again. This recognition underscores the exceptional research being conducted at Kent State and our unwavering commitment to advancing knowledge and addressing the world’s most pressing challenges.”
Institutions with the R1 designation are considered to have “very high spending and doctorate production.” On average in a single year, these institutions spend at least $50 million on research and development and award at least 70 research doctoral degrees. Kent State exceeded these thresholds by awarding 165 research Ph.D.s and expending more than $57 million in research dollars. The Carnegie Classifications are published on a three-year cycle, with the next update occurring in 2028.
Kent State’s research initiatives span a wide range of disciplines, from science and technology to the arts and humanities. The university’s collaborative approach to research fosters innovation and drives impactful discoveries that benefit society.
“As we celebrate this remarkable achievement of maintaining our R1 status, we remain focused on our mission to inspire and empower our community through transformative research and education,” said Doug Delahanty, Ph.D., Kent State’s vice president for research and economic development. “We look forward to continuing our journey of excellence and making a lasting impact on the world.”
For more information about research at Kent State, visit www.kent.edu/research.
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Top Photo Caption – Researcher and Student in the Lab:
A Kent State University researcher from the Department of Biological Sciences and a student work in a lab. (Photo credit: Bob Christy)
Media Contacts:
Eric Mansfield, emansfie@kent.edu, 330-672-2797
Emily Vincent, evincen2@kent.edu, 330-672-8595