Florida Atlantic University was designated an “R1: Very High Research Activity” institution on Thursday by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, placing it among the most research-intensive universities in the United States.

FAU is the sixth institution in Florida’s State University System to attain R1 status, joining the University of Florida, Florida State University, the University of South Florida, the University of Central Florida, and Florida International University. The designation is based on criteria such as total research expenditures and the number of doctoral degrees awarded annually. In the 2023-24 fiscal year, FAU received 408 research awards, totaling approximately $109 million in research funding. The classification is held by fewer than 5 percent of the nation’s nearly 4,000 universities.

University officials said the classification is expected to increase opportunities for securing federal and private research grants, attracting top-tier faculty, and expanding graduate and doctoral programs in key fields, including biotechnology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and marine sciences.

“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.”

FAU’s research portfolio spans multiple disciplines, with contributions in national security, cybersecurity, biomedical research, ocean engineering, and environmental science. The university has pioneered advancements in high-resolution imaging, remotely operated underwater vehicles, and renewable energy solutions. Its faculty-led research initiatives include collaborations with the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Memorial Healthcare, and Florida Power & Light.

“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,” said Gregg Fields, Ph.D., FAU vice president for research.

The university’s designation comes days after its Board of Trustees selected former state House Majority Leader Adam Hasner as its next president.