Research
Our University is R1 Proud
As a Carnegie Research 1, or R1, institution, UMKC has achieved recognition for its very high research spending and doctorate production. But we're not stopping there. We're more focused on research than ever before.
Focus on Research
This year's Fiscal Year 2025 research statistics reflect strong growth and positive momentum across key performance indicators. This progress demonstrates our university community's continued commitment to impactful research and innovation.
$291M
Research Proposals
Research proposals for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 rose 16% from the previous year.
$57M
Research Awards
Research awards in FY '25 experienced a 45% increase year-over-year.
$79M
Total Estimated Research Expenditures
UMKC increased its spending on research by an estimated 39% in FY '25.
Research Areas
UMKC is the only Carnegie Research 1 comprehensive research institution in the Kansas City metropolitan area, with significant research strengths in key areas advancing healthcare, defense and more.
Electromagnetic radiation and energy
Advanced and critical materials
Unmanned platforms
Artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and data science
Digital humanities
Accelerating Growth in Research
Vice Chancellor for Research Sumeet Dua is leading UMKC to new breakthroughs in research and innovation, as illustrated by the new Institute for Advanced Materials and Applications and also the Critical Materials Crossroads, recently selected by the National Science Foundation Regional Engines Innovation program as one of 15 finalists out of 285 universities competing for a 10-year, $160 million grant.
"By securing a domestic supply chain for the technologies that power modern life, we are proving that our university is an engine of opportunity for the entire community."
Sumeet Dua, Ph.D.
Vice Chancellor for Research
World Class Research. Real World Solutions.
What does research mean at UMKC? It means identifying a problem and seeking an answer. It means making the world a better place. Here are just a few of our ongoing projects:
Research Headlines
Stay up to date with the latest UMKC research news.
From Kansas City to Brazil: Fulbright-Winning UMKC Researcher Studies Link Between Free Transit and Physical Activity
30 Jun 2026 | Joseph Lightner from the UMKC School of Nursing and Health Studies will study how zero-fare transit systems influence health outcomes across urban communities Read full story From Kansas City to Brazil: Fulbright-Winning UMKC Researcher Studies Link Between Free Transit and Physical Activity
UMKC Student-Staff Duo Launch Agriculture Certificate to Address Food Insecurity
15 Jun 2026 | A $730,000 multi-university initiative is helping researchers rethink how food is produced and delivered to improve access to fresh produce across region Read full story UMKC Student-Staff Duo Launch Agriculture Certificate to Address Food Insecurity
Sound Mandala Spends Summer 2026 at Unicorn Theatre
15 Jun 2026 | The one-of-a-kind listening experience presents three shows Read full story Sound Mandala Spends Summer 2026 at Unicorn Theatre