MILWAUKEE — The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee has once again earned the highest rating of research from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education for a fourth consecutive time.  

The classification places UWM among the top research universities in the nation. Just 187 of nearly 4,000 institutions considered by Carnegie placed in its “very high research spending and doctorate production” category, often called R1. UWM is one of just two universities in Wisconsin to achieve R1 status, along with UW-Madison. 

UWM previously received an R1 designation in 2016, 2019 and 2022. Before that, UWM ranked one tier below, as an R2 doctoral university.  

“This recognition reaffirms UWM’s role as a leader in research and positions Milwaukee as an innovation hub,” said UWM Chancellor Mark Mone. “Our faculty, students and staff are driving discoveries that address critical challenges, strengthen our economy and improve lives in Wisconsin and beyond.”  

The Carnegie lists, first published in 1973, are issued about every three years. The Carnegie Classification is the leading evaluation of universities’ research activity. The ranking helps attract and retain top research talent among faculty, researchers and graduate students and provides all students with top-tier research opportunities. 

“The continuation of UWM’s R1 status reflects the outstanding work of our faculty, staff and student researchers,” said Provost Andrew Daire, the university’s top-ranking academic officer. “From Dr. AkkeNeel Talsma’s Maternity Metrix research, which is improving maternal health outcomes, to Dr. Deyang Qu’s advancements in EV battery technology, UWM researchers are creating real-world impact.”   

Research at UWM permeates all levels of the university and spans dozens of fields, impacting thousands of lives through breakthroughs in sustainable energy, neuroscience, cancer research and water science. Many research projects involve community partners, which has earned UWM the dual distinction of being recognized as a Community Engagement Institution by Carnegie.

Here are just a few recent examples of UWM’s groundbreaking work:

●  A UWM engineering professor received a prestigious presidential award for research on shoulder pain and wheelchair use. 

●  A research project at UWM’s Zilber College of Public Health is addressing the critical needs of dementia patients and caregivers. 

●  A tabletop robot developed at UWM has the potential to revolutionize physical therapy, improving accessibility and patient outcomes. 

For the first time, a drug discovered at UWM has been approved for clinical trials, marking a major step in advancing medical treatments. 

Research helps fuel the region’s economy and develop its talent pipeline. UWM holds over 200 patents developed with its researchers and nearly 50 active license and option agreements through the UWM Research Foundation. Over 25 startup businesses have formed from UWM innovations. 

The Carnegie Classification ranks research institutions into three categories based on the number of doctoral degrees awarded and the amount of research expenditures. In 2023, UWM awarded 167 research doctorates — well above the threshold required to maintain R1 status. In fiscal year 2024, UWM had $66.3 million in research expenditures, with $27.7 million coming from federal agencies. 

More information on UWM’s research initiatives can be found on UWM’s Research webpage.