Florida Atlantic Achieves R1 Research Designation

Today we received the exciting news that Florida Atlantic has been designated an  R1: Very High Research Spending and Doctorate Production University  in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The R1 designation is a highly coveted achievement in the collegiate world, symbolizing the pinnacle of research excellence.

Florida Atlantic shares R1 status with less than 5% of the nation’s 4,000 universities, and further strengthens Florida’s academic research enterprise in joining five fellow Florida State University System institutions with this important recognition. To qualify for R1 status, institutions must spend at least $50 million on research and development and produce at least 70 research doctorates annually. Additional information is available here.

As you’ll see in the signage around our campuses and in the community, achieving R1 status is a Big Deal. It is more than just a title — it serves as a powerful catalyst for transformation, opening doors to major donors, research grants and partnerships that will elevate our institution’s capabilities and reach. It also will attract world-class faculty and top-tier students eager to be part of our elite academic community, further enhancing Florida Atlantic’s national prestige. 

Since its inception, Florida Atlantic’s efforts have been propelled by the tremendous support of our federal congressional delegation, as well as the state’s steadfast commitment to advancing academic research that is crucial to the United States’ safety, security and global competitiveness. We truly appreciate this support. 

I would like to thank our many faculty members whose scholarly work has been the driving force behind Florida Atlantic’s rapidly expanding research portfolio, and Gregg Fields, vice president for research, for his dedicated leadership. The R1 designation speaks volumes about their incredible innovation and ambition, and about the tremendous growth and impact of our research enterprise.

For more information about Florida Atlantic’s R1 designation, visit http://rtrali.bjrujiabj.com/r1. 

Go Owls!