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.
UMKC Honors Graduate Excellence with Breakthrough Research and Creative Impact
12 Jun 2026 | From innovative vaccine delivery technology to reimagining community through contemporary music, this year’s top graduate award winners showcase the transformative power of research and creativity at Kansas City’s Carnegie R1 university Read full story UMKC Honors Graduate Excellence with Breakthrough Research and Creative Impact
Step into the Anechoic Chamber, the Quietest Place at UMKC
3 Jun 2026 | Chamber is part of the William T. Kemper Research Lab: Characterization for Electromagnetics, Antennas and RF Technology Read full story Step into the Anechoic Chamber, the Quietest Place at UMKC
UMKC and Children’s Mercy Launch Streamlined Research Agreement
28 May 2026 | New agreement removes barriers to collaboration, giving Ph.D. students faster access to hands-on research opportunities with leading pediatric investigators Read full story UMKC and Children’s Mercy Launch Streamlined Research Agreement