Florida Atlantic shares this R1 status with less than 5% of the nearly 4,000 universities in the United States.

Florida Atlantic University has officially established itself among the most prestigious colleges and universities in the United States for its notable accomplishments in research. It now holds the esteemed designation of “R1: Very High Research Spending and Doctorate Production” by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, and shares this status with less than 5% of the nearly 4,000 universities in the U.S. 

“The R1 designation is a highly coveted achievement in the collegiate world, symbolizing the pinnacle of research excellence,” said FAU President Stacy Volnick. “This designation is more than just a title; it serves as a powerful catalyst for transformation, opening doors to major donors and research grants that will elevate our institution’s capabilities and reach.”

In the competitive landscape of higher education, the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education plays a pivotal role in determining a university’s standing. To qualify for the R1 status, institutions must meet a stringent set of criteria such as the number of research doctorates awarded and total research expenditures. FAU is now the sixth institution in the Florida State University System to hold R1 status.

“Since its inception, the university’s efforts have been propelled by the tremendous support of our federal congressional delegation and the state’s steadfast commitment to advancing academic research that is crucial to the United States’ safety, security and global competitiveness,” Volnick said.

FAU faculty members drive the university’s rapidly expanding external funding portfolio through their scholarly work, including externally funded research projects, peer-reviewed publications, and initiatives in indexing and polling. In fiscal year 2023-24, FAU received 408 awards and garnered approximately $109 million in research expenditures. Among its most notable awards last year, was a $10 million grant awarded to FAU’s College of Education and College of Engineering and Computer Science from the U.S. Department of Education to train people with disabilities for high-tech jobs.

The prestige associated with R1 status acts like a magnet, drawing in world-class faculty and top-tier students eager to be part of an elite academic community. This influx of talent enhances the university’s academic landscape and boosts its national prestige.

“Ultimately, the R1 designation empowers Florida Atlantic to address pressing societal issues head-on, contributing to advances in health, technology and policy,” said Gregg Fields, Ph.D., FAU vice president for research . “This alignment with societal needs enhances the university’s mission and reinforces its commitment to making a meaningful impact on the world. In this way, the R1 status is beyond an accolade; it’s a vital tool for driving progress.”

FAU is a trailblazer in research, pioneering high-resolution imaging and innovative underwater technologies, including submersibles and remotely operated vehicles. In 1965, it launched the nation’s first undergraduate ocean engineering program, now a State University Program of Distinction. FAU also drives innovation in national security, cybersecurity and biomedical research, making breakthroughs in neuroscience, cardiovascular health and cancer. Its environmental research tackles renewable energy, water quality, sustainability and habitat conservation. Beyond the natural sciences, FAU excels in social sciences, education, arts, literature, history and political science, fostering interdisciplinary connections between culture and society.

FAU’s robust graduate programs also play a crucial role in supporting the research enterprise, cultivating a skilled workforce and nurturing the next generation of researchers. Students benefit from unique research opportunities and internships, immersing themselves in a rich academic environment that encourages exploration and discovery. Research laboratories benefit from talented graduate student assistance in the discovery process.

Looking toward the future, FAU is focused on expanding its graduate programs in key areas such as biotechnology, AI, cybersecurity and marine sciences. The university is committed to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, ensuring that students and faculty members work across departments to drive innovation. To support this growth, FAU plans to enhance its research infrastructure, investing in state-of-the-art laboratories, specialized centers and advanced technology to facilitate leading-edge research in various fields such as life sciences, engineering and smart health.

Collaboration will remain a cornerstone of FAU’s development, with established partnerships like those with the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Memorial Healthcare, Florida Power & Light and many others — and is expected to grow even stronger. The university also is committed to expanding its global reach, building international research partnerships and providing students with opportunities for global engagement.

“At Florida Atlantic, we are not just building a university — we are shaping a future where discovery knows no boundaries, collaboration drives innovation, and education transforms lives,” Fields said. “The challenges we face today demand bold solutions, and Florida Atlantic is prepared to lead the way.”

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