(Moscow, ID) University of Idaho is the first and only Idaho university to join the top research institutions in the United States after earning the R1 designation in the 2025 Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The announcement came today. This classification is the gold standard for research excellence, given to less than 4% of all U.S. higher education institutions, and it recognizes the university for “very high research activity” and its transformative contributions to science, innovation and education.
“Achieving R1 status is not just a milestone but a testament to our role as a leader in education and innovation,” U of I President Scott Green said. “It opens doors to new opportunities, strengthens our impact and ensures that we remain at the forefront of solving Idaho’s challenges, positioning the university as a key driver of progress in addressing global issues.”
To classify as an R1 institution, universities must have at least $50 million in annual research expenditures and grant at least 70 research doctorates each year. U of I had $135.9 million in research expenditures in Fiscal Year 2023 and awarded 80 research doctorates.
U of I focused on the goal of becoming R1 when President Green joined the university in 2019. Not only did the university increase its research expenditures since then, it also grew its doctoral programs by 18.4% since 2019, reaching an all-time high of 606 current doctoral students in Fall 2024.
Achieving R1 status unlocks numerous opportunities for U of I, including:
- More than half of undergraduate students participate in research activities at U of I, offering them unique hands-on experiences that make them more competitive in the job market. This classification will expand that impact.
- R1 status enhances the university’s reputation locally, nationally and internationally and positively influences college rankings, which can increase enrollment and funding opportunities.
- The research U of I does directly benefits the state of Idaho by working on pressing problems to improve outcomes for cybersecurity, nuclear science, semiconductor and microelectronics industries, as well as those related to natural resources and agriculture.
- Access to research opportunities produces graduates who are more ready to make a difference in the Idaho workplace.
Additionally, the impact of R1 status extends far beyond the university’s campus. States with R1 institutions gain a competitive edge, attracting businesses and industries that value research and innovation. Given U of I’s land-grant mission and statewide presence, this, in turn, creates jobs, boosts the economy and enhances the state’s reputation as a hub for progress and discovery.
“R1 classification is only the first stage of recognition for the incredible and impactful research that we perform at University of Idaho,” said Chris Nomura, vice president for research and economic development at U of I. “We are continuing to grow our research portfolio and opportunities for students by searching for answers that make a difference for Idaho, its citizens and our economy and are excited for what the future holds.”
U of I is also home to 54 scientists recognized in the prestigious Stanford-Elsevier Top 2% Scientists List, more than all other Idaho research institutions and Idaho National Laboratory combined.
Some of U of I’s recent research awards include:
- $18.9 million to study soil up to three meters deep — deeper than has ever been studied — to better understand soil and terrestrial ecosystems.
- $15 million to study the long-term impact of drought and fire on forest ecosystems.
- $11 million to create a biomedical research center focused on evidence-based disease prevention and treatment for women through better nutrition.
- $7.8 million to fund a statewide initiative designed to promote competitive integrated employment opportunities for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
For more information about research at U of I, visit uidaho.edu/research.
