In January, Ohio University was named an R1 institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, placing OHIO in the top tier of research universities nationally.
Institutions holding the Carnegie R1 designation—141 in the nation and only five in Ohio—are recognized for “very high research activity” as measured by expenditures supporting research and development, conferral of research doctoral degrees and employment of Ph.D.-level personnel engaged in research.
“This distinction further increases the value of a degree from Ohio University, serves as an impressive recruiting tool and builds upon the extraordinary sense of pride felt by OHIO’s students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends,” President Hugh Sherman says. “This recognition also helps OHIO to attract additional outstanding faculty and more research dollars, which will ultimately lead to innovation and discovery to the benefit of our students and the global society.”
In addition to placing OHIO in a position to receive larger research grants, Carnegie R1 status has a significantly positive impact on the overall perception of the University.
“Designation as an R1 institution is a major mark of distinction for Ohio University,” Executive Vice President and Provost Elizabeth Sayrs says. “We are proud that OHIO’s long-standing commitment to excellence in advancing knowledge for the benefit of society at large is now recognized through the Carnegie Classification.”
This is a truly remarkable accomplishment that affirms OHIO’s status as a high-quality institution of higher learning and exemplifies the University's commitment to excellence in research and discovery as well as the broader student experience.
OHIO’s efforts to expand the frontiers of knowledge are deeply intertwined with the opportunities it provides to students at all levels through their academic programs. The success of those efforts is reflected in record-setting undergraduate participation in research experiences and in graduates of master’s and doctoral programs who have achieved international recognition, including a Nobel Prize.
The University is investing in new programs and initiatives to ensure that the institution remains at the forefront of discovery and innovative academic programs. Examples include hiring new faculty across multiple colleges in focused areas related to diabetes, pain, aging and health disparities while also creating new interdisciplinary degree programs in environmental science and sustainability and in data science and analytics. —Carly Keeler Leatherwood, BSJ ’96
Feature photo: As a first-year student, Emily Marino, BS ’22 (HTC), joined Dr. Ronan Carroll’s lab, researching the bacterial pathogen that causes staph infections. Marino’s work earned funding from OHIO, a 2021 Goldwater Scholarship and a 2022 Fulbright U.S. Student Program grant, allowing her to conduct research in Germany this year. Photo by Rich-Joseph Facun, BSVC ’01
From campus to communities and industries near and far, OHIO research and creative activity is advancing global knowledge and inventiveness, allowing Bobcats to transcend from learners to originators and positioning them to leave their mark on the world.
We track the number of undergraduates who do research and creative activity, and over the last 10 years, that number has tripled.