The University of Texas at Arlington has once again earned the prestigious R1 designation from the Carnegie Classifications of Institutions of Higher Education, signifying the highest level of research activity.
UTA is among just 187 institutions—4.7% nationwide—earning the R1 designation in 2025. First earning R1 status in 2015, UTA has maintained this classification through reaffirmations in 2018, 2021 and 2024, as part of Carnegie's three-year review cycle. With research expenditures reaching $155 million in FY 2024—a 5% increase over FY23—UTA continues to demonstrate its commitment to innovation and academic excellence.
R1 classification signals that an institution has achieved the highest level of research activity, according to the Carnegie Classification, and is considered a top-tier research university with a significant commitment to producing groundbreaking research, attracting top faculty and securing substantial research funding—essentially placing it among the most prestigious research institutions in the country.
"What sets UT Arlington apart from other institutions is our ability to pursue and produce scientific research that is on the leading edge of forefront and discovery," UTA President Jennifer Cowley said. "We are advancing critical research—from semiconductor technology and battery storage to energy grids and personalized medicine—across our nine colleges and schools right here in Arlington."
UTA partners with the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, NASA and the U.S. departments of Defense, Transportation, Commerce and Energy to address state and national challenges. The University also collaborates with state agencies, including the Texas Department of Transportation and the Tarrant Regional Water District to strengthen Texas' infrastructure.
Cutting-edge research at UTA plays a vital role in the local, state and national economies. From 2018 to 2023, UTA research contributed more than $300 million to the national economy, with nearly $41 million added to the Texas economy in 2024 alone, reflecting UTA's commitment to foster innovation, research and entrepreneurship that drives societal progress, economic mobility and prosperity.
"The dynamic research coming from UT Arlington is strategically focused on solutions that transform lives," said Kate C. Miller, vice president for research and innovation. "It's gratifying to see leading research organizations like Carnegie recognizing the exceptional talent of UTA's faculty, staff and students—both in driving discoveries with immediate benefits to society and advancing long-term initiatives that pave the way for future discoveries."
Impactful Research
Over the past year, UTA has made major investments in research infrastructure to advance innovation and discovery. In November, UTA opened the Clinical Imaging Research Center (CIRC) to tackle critical health challenges, including cognitive decline, traumatic brain injuries, Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. CIRC will also serve as the site of the upcoming Arlington Study of Healthy Aging, which is enrolling volunteers to investigate the mechanisms behind functional decline.
In October, UTA enhanced its research capabilities with the installation of a state-of-the-art gene sequencer at the North Texas Genome Center— the only machine of its kind in North Texas. The next-generation sequencer will enable researchers to analyze rare genetic variants with greater precision, paving the way for groundbreaking discovering in health care.
UTA in the midst of constructing a cutting-edge outdoor netted drone facility at the UT Arlington Research Institute in Fort Worth, allowing researchers to conduct experiments free from FAA drone restrictions. Set to open this summer, the Maverick Autonomous Vehicle Research Center (MAVRC) will unite university, industry, government and community partners to develop autonomous and intelligent mobility systems. These efforts, spanning self-driving cars, military technology and emergency response tools, will focus on ensuring reliability and safety. MAVRC is expected to attract industry partnerships, create high-value jobs and fuel economic growth, aligning with legislative priorities for technological advancement and economic development.
Related: UT Arlington Research Institute: A hidden gem solving real-world problems
Launched in 2024, the Recruiting Innovative Scholars for Excellence initiative—RISE 100—aims to recruit leading faculty to amplify UTA's research capabilities and establish UTA as a leader in key areas critical to Texas.
"RISE 100 supports a key strategic initiative of UTA 2030: Research and innovation," UTA Provost Tamara L. Brown said. "Expanding our research programs reflects UTA's commitment to meaningful faculty growth, strengthening our research portfolio, and inspiring the next generation of leaders."
UTA Research Highlights
Revolutionizing Semiconductor Laser Technology: UTA researchers, backed by a U.S. Department of Defense grant, are pioneering advancements in semiconductor laser technology. Applications include advances in autonomous vehicles, satellite communications, and space exploration, offering transformative potential across multiple industries.
Securing Texas' Energy Future: To ensure reliable energy access, UTA engineers collaborated with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) to reduce electricity bottlenecks that lead to power outages. UTA also launched a Resource and Energy Engineering degree program to prepare a skilled Texas workforce for energy infrastructure roles, encompassing oil, gas, renewable energy and storage solutions.
Advancing Health and Medical Training: UTA is setting new standards in health care education with the nation's first "Igloo" virtual reality immersion room, training nursing students in real-life scenarios from childbirth to car crashes. The Maternal and Reproductive Health Equity Research lab explores factors behind complex pregnancies and births, while other researchers focus on treating antibiotic-resistant lung diseases and enhancing physical activity for individuals with disabilities.
Building Resilient Roads: UTA civil engineers are earning accolades for their "plastic roads," which incorporate recycled plastic waste in asphalt. This innovative approach not only diverts plastic from landfills, but also extends road lifespan, reducing taxpayer costs. Additionally, UTA has developed a novel concrete mixture that both lasts longer and removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, significantly reducing its environmental impact. UTA has several initiatives with TxDOT, including a program that provides training and technical assistance for local governments on road and bridge maintenance, traffic control and safety.
Safeguarding Water Resources: To better plan and prepare for extreme weather events, UTA engineers are utilizing advanced computer models to help coastal Texas communities protect residents, infrastructure and vital drinking water supplies. Researchers are also tracking runoff from extreme weather to ensure continued access to safe, clean tap water.
Learn more about UTA's recent research achievements by exploring UTA's annual research magazine, Inquiry
