Specifically, the  2025 has named UofL a “Research 1: Very High Spending and Doctorate Production” university. UofL is one of only 187 universities receiving this distinction as part of the new research activity designation introduced this year, and one of only two in the state.

“We are exceptionally pleased and honored to once again receive this designation as a “Research 1” institution, attesting to our enduring success in biomedical, engineering, scientific and creative activities,” said UofL President Kim Schatzel.  

The 2025 designation was based on nearly $221 million in research expenditures UofL made in fiscal year 2023 and 159 research doctorate degrees UofL awarded in 2022-2023. That funding supports our research to prevent and treat cancer, reduce the impact of spinal cord injury and improve the use of robotics and artificial intelligence in health care. 

“We are as committed as ever to conducting research that changes and improves lives, and that commitment is affirmed by this renewed R1 designation,” said Jon Klein, UofL’s executive vice president for research and innovation.

The criteria for “Research 1: Very High Spending and Doctorate Production” include an average of at least $50 million in research and development expenditures each year and at least 70 research doctorates awarded.

UofL also holds a Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, which recognizes institutions that work with community partners to exchange knowledge and resources for public benefit.

In late April 2025, the American Council on ����ֱ�� (ACE) and the Carnegie Foundation will publish the 2025 Institutional Classification. This is an update to the historic Basic Classification and will group institutions by characteristics including the types of degrees they award, the fields of study in which students receive their degree and the size of the institution. 

Previously, ACE and the Carnegie Foundation considered Research Activity Designations as part of the Basic Classification. The new Institutional Classification will not incorporate research in its methodology. For that reason, the 2025 Research Activity Designations are being published separately. 

In 2021, under the Basic Classification methodology, UofL was designated a “Research 1 doctoral university with very high research activity.”

Carnegie’s ranking is considered highly prestigious in the higher education community. UofL is one of only 120 U.S. institutions to achieve the highest ranking in this latest survey, which is based on the 2016-17 academic year.

“This designation validates the hard work of our faculty, staff and students to make discoveries that change, improve and even save lives” said UofL’s Interim Executive Vice President for Research and Innovation Robert Keynton. “It also validates our continuing efforts to develop the next generation of researchers and innovators.”  

Schools that conferred 20 or more research/scholarship doctoral degrees and had at least $5 million in research spending are considered for the top Research 1 designation. UofL awarded 159 research/scholarship doctoral degrees and had more than $177 million in research expenditures in 2016-17.