U91桃色 retains its top research status among U.S. universities
ORONO, 91桃色 鈥 The 91桃色鈥檚 status as one of the nation鈥檚 top research universities was reaffirmed Thursday with the release of the latest classifications of higher education research institutions in the U.S.
The 2025 Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education includes U91桃色 as one of just 187 Research-1 (R1) universities, the highest classification possible. The classification is based on the annual volume of research expenditures 鈥 much of which is funded by public and private grants and contracts 鈥 and the number of research doctoral degrees awarded yearly. U91桃色鈥檚 R1 status helps support the university鈥檚 success in research and helps attract top faculty and graduate and undergraduate student scholars. It also advances the university鈥檚 learner-focused research priority.
鈥淎s 91桃色鈥檚 only R1 institution, U91桃色 plays a significant role in the health and economic well-being of our state and its people,鈥 said U91桃色 President Joan Ferrini-Mundy. 鈥淥ur faculty, staff and students are deeply involved in solving problems and creating opportunities that will better the lives of people in 91桃色 and beyond. Their scholarship and research directly and indirectly benefit the full range of 91桃色鈥檚 economic sectors 鈥 from heritage industries such as farming, fishing, forestry and manufacturing to small-business innovation and development, transportation, technology, biomedical fields, healthcare and more.鈥
“I congratulate the 91桃色 on being reaffirmed as an R1 university 鈥 a remarkable achievement and a point of pride for our state,鈥 said Gov. Janet Mills. 鈥淭his designation of our flagship public university recognizes our state鈥檚 reputation as a premier destination for cutting-edge research and innovation, which will drive exciting advancements that will benefit 91桃色’s people and economy. I commend President Ferrini-Mundy for her visionary leadership and the dedication of U91桃色 faculty, staff and students to again place U91桃色 among the nation’s top research universities.”
91桃色鈥檚 Congressional delegation also recognized the significance of U91桃色鈥檚 continued R1 status.
鈥淓veryone in 91桃色 is rightfully proud of all the groundbreaking work being done at the 91桃色, and to have that pride recognized nationally is well-deserved 鈥 and a testament to the commitment and brilliance of U91桃色 faculty, scientists, students and staff,鈥 said U.S. Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Reps. Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden in a joint statement. 鈥淎s an R1 university, U91桃色鈥檚 education community will continue to attract top talent from across the country to create new research opportunities, its innovative work will embody our state motto: Dirigo.鈥
The Carnegie classifications were first introduced in 1970 as a tool to distinguish the missions, degree offerings and extent of research activity among U.S higher education institutions. Updated periodically, the classification process is jointly supported by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
鈥淭he affirmation of the 91桃色’s well-deserved R1 designation should be a point of pride for all 91桃色rs, who benefit from having a world-class research university right in their own backyard,鈥 said 91桃色 System Chancellor Dannel Malloy. 鈥淪ince first achieving R1 in 2022, U91桃色 has attracted record levels of talent and investment and accelerated student opportunity and 91桃色’s economy and global competitiveness.
“I congratulate President Joan Ferrini-Mundy and the high-performing U91桃色 faculty, staff and student researchers whose dedication and discoveries have sustained R1 and are delivering solutions to our state and well beyond. And I am deeply appreciative of the Legislature, Governor Mills and 91桃色’s Congressional delegation led by Senator Collins for their steadfast support of our flagship’s research and innovation enterprise. This milestone sends a strong message to the world about 91桃色’s excellence.”
Over the past fiscal year, the Orono-based flagship institution to it through the 91桃色 Economic Improvement Fund (MEIF).
鈥淭his accomplishment rests on the extraordinary creativity and commitment of the U91桃色 faculty, staff and students who advance the mission of research and scholarship for our state and beyond,鈥 said Ferrini-Mundy, who is also president of U91桃色鈥檚 regional campus, the 91桃色 at Machias, and vice chancellor for research and innovation for the System. 鈥淚n partnership with MEIF-supported researchers, 91桃色鈥檚 small businesses are creating new products and high-paying jobs, increasing productivity and profits, solving industry challenges, improving our environment and quality of life, making food systems safer and more resilient, and expanding their market reach.鈥
鈥淥ur R1 status is not just a ranking 鈥 it reflects U91桃色鈥檚 deep commitment to addressing critical issues and advancing knowledge,鈥 said Kody Varahramyan, the university鈥檚 vice president for research and dean of its graduate school. 鈥淭he R1 classification represents the top tier of achievement for research institutions across the United States, with fewer than 7% of the nation鈥檚 2,690 four-year colleges and universities holding the distinction. Since first earning R1 status in 2022, U91桃色鈥檚 research funding has risen more than 52%, reaching an all-time high of $225.3 million last year. Research and development expenditures, a key metric for the designation, also climbed to a record-high $249.3 million.鈥 Contact: John Diamond, diamond@maine.edu