UNLV: A Top-Tier R1 Research University
UNLV has been recognized as one of the top research universities in the U.S. by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
"Research is central to our success as a university and to our ability to make real and lasting contributions to our state and regional economy."
UNLV President Keith E. Whitfield.
The R1 Research Designation
What is an R1 university?
R1 is the gold standard for university research classifications. The R1 designation signifies “very high research activity” and it is the highest possible tier a doctoral research university can achieve in the Carnegie Classification, the leading framework for classifying the research activities of U.S. universities.
Why is UNLV one of the top research universities in the U.S.?
UNLV first reached R1 classification in 2018. Our research has captured international headlines. Mechanical Engineering Professor H. Jeremy Cho and his research team, through a process called atmospheric water harvesting, are studying ways to capture water vapor from the air to transform it into drinkable water; and our geoscientists identified the first-ever mineral from Earth’s lower mantle. We are also graduating more students with doctoral degrees, and bolstering the number of non-faculty researchers in sciences and health.
Research Resources
"Starting out, I solely focused on my classes…until I discovered undergraduate research opportunities right here at UNLV and joined the Rebel Research and Mentorship Program. Through this program, I was partnered with a graduate student who taught me the research process and showed me how interconnected various disciplines are."
Allyssa Chua, political science and anthropology major
Interdisciplinary Research at UNLV
Innovative solutions can be found when groups of researchers from diverse disciplines and backgrounds approach complex problems together. UNLV fosters interdisciplinary collaborations through thoughtfully designed dedicated facilities, specialized centers and institutes, and other resources it provides.
