CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The University of North Carolina at Charlotte has been awarded Research 1, or R1, status, the highest recognition for research universities.
The prestigious status by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, recognizes UNC Charlotte as an elite research university in the U.S.
“Achieving R1 status reflects our commitment to establish Charlotte as a top-tier research institution,” said Chancellor Sharon Gaber. “This milestone is the result of the dedication and innovation of our faculty and staff, whose work attracts top talent and critical support. It also fuels economic growth, with research investments driving a fivefold return, strengthening the regional workforce and contributing to Charlotte’s economy. This achievement is a win not only for our University but for our region.”
East Carolina University also received R1 designation on Thursday. UNC Charlotte and ECU join UNC Chapel hill, NC State and Duke as the only universities with R1 status in North Carolina.
R1 universities offer extensive doctoral programs, attract and retain field-leading faculty and draw significant funding. It is the highest recognition that a doctoral university can receive, the university said in a release.
To reach R1 status, universities must spend at least $50 million on research and development, and award a minimum of 70 doctorates every year. UNC Charlotte exceeded those thresholds in the 2023 fiscal year with $92 million in research expenditures and by averaging 160 doctoral degrees each year.
“Carnegie R1 designation is synonymous with academic excellence, research innovation and impact, the catalysts for research breakthroughs that lead to new technologies, businesses and economic growth,” said John Daniels, vice chancellor for research. “UNC Charlotte — the region’s leading research university — is making a difference where it matters most to the Queen City and its workforce: health care and life sciences, advanced manufacturing, energy, data science, cybersecurity, AI, business leadership, arts and culture, and more.”
