R1 Designation
R1 Proud
For decades, UMKC has served Kansas City as its top public research university. Now we have achieved the nation's top research designation, Carnegie Research 1. That puts us in the top tier of universities conducting groundbreaking research.
UMKC is Kansas City’s Only R1 University
Regional R1 universities include the University of Missouri, the University of Kansas and Kansas State University. Other notable R1 universities include Columbia, Georgetown, Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Princeton, Stanford and Yale.
336
External awards for UMKC researchers in FY23
$55M
In fiscal year 2023 research expenditures, $5M more than required for R1 designation per the 2025 Carnegie Classification System
134
Number of research doctorates awarded, 64 more than required for R1 designation
New Opportunities for Kansas City and Our Campus Community
Becoming an R1 university brings a wealth of benefits. From attracting new faculty to creating economic impact for KC, UMKC's R1 designation creates tangible impacts across our city.
Kansas City impact
Local economic development experts say the new R1 distinction is critical for Kansas City as it continues to elevate its brand in attracting world-class corporations, culture and talent. This new designation will help attract and create new businesses and jobs.
Faculty impact
Achieving R1 status helps the university retain and attract leading faculty within their fields. Earning the R1 designation helps UMKC receive additional funding for top-tier, impactful research. It also creates opportunities to collaborate with other R1 institutions.
Student impact
Students will be taught by some of the best and brightest researchers in the nation. They will experience engaged mentorship and robust research opportunities infused with new knowledge from faculty research. Studies show students who are exposed to research earn better grades and achieve better career outcomes.
High-Caliber Research at UMKC
UMKC has research strengths and focus areas in health, defense, cybersecurity, digital humanities and more.
UMKC and Saint Luke’s to Lead Nationwide Study on Pregnant People with Heart Disease to Combat Maternal Deaths and Illnesses
30 Sep 2024 | $8.3 million grant is largest NIH award in university history Read full story UMKC and Saint Luke’s to Lead Nationwide Study on Pregnant People with Heart Disease to Combat Maternal Deaths and Illnesses
Medieval Nuns Make History
9 Sep 2024 | World-renowned UMKC researcher is making ancient texts available for next generation Read full story Medieval Nuns Make History
UMKC is the First University to Partner with U.S. Cyber Command
15 May 2024 | The agreement will provide new opportunities for research and collaboration Read full story UMKC is the First University to Partner with U.S. Cyber Command
Take It From Us
The R1 designation is a game-changer for not only UMKC, but Kansas City as a whole.
The Carnegie R1 designation for UMKC is very important because it is an external validation of our existing research excellence.
Mauli Agrawal
UMKC Chancellor
It’s everything for Kansas City to have a university with an R1 designation. It's going to shine a spotlight on the work that we do here at UMKC. It's going to bring talent to our community. It's going to create new ideas that our companies can take out of the university and build new items, products and support services for our community.
Maria Meyers
UMKC Vice Chancellor for Commercialization and Entrepreneurship
This R1 research status is going to help elevate not just UMKC in Kansas City in the world, but Kansas City in the world as we elevate our brand as a city in so many different ways.
Tim Cowden
President and CEO of the Kansas City Area Development Council