UMKC reaches major research milestone that puts it on par with KU, K-State and Mizzou
The University of Missouri-Kansas City announced Thursday that it has achieved a major milestone that officials say will draw national attention to the school’s research and bolster its reputation while attracting new businesses to the Kansas City region.
Officials said in a news release that UMKC received designation as an R1 university under the Carnegie classification system, or a university with “very high research activity” that spends at least $50 million a year on research and development and awards at least 70 research doctorate degrees a year. UMKC spent $55 million on research and awarded 134 doctorates in the most recent year.
UMKC joins roughly 190 other R1 universities in the United States, including the University of Kansas, Kansas State University and the University of Missouri-Columbia.
The announcement comes five years ahead of UMKC’s goals for 2030.
“This milestone is a huge victory for all of the Kansas City area and its top research university,”
UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal said in a statement. “We’ve seen a steady and rapid rise in the excellence of UMKC, thanks to the incredible hard work and drive of our faculty, students, staff and community partners.”
Recent research work at UMKC has included:
Leading a national study to address the rising maternal mortality rate, focusing on pregnant women with heart conditions.
Working on an effort to bring an energy materials campus to Kansas City that could unlock $160 million in funding and create local manufacturing jobs.
Receiving $4 million to create the Kansas City Monuments Coalition to help preserve historic sites in the Kansas City area.
Studying how music therapy for extremely premature babies can boost their health outcomes.
Researching ways to make dreams more pleasant to relieve trauma and stress while improving sleep and health.
Officials said the R1 classification elevates the academic profile of UMKC and can expand opportunities for both faculty members and students.
“All aspects of our lives are impacted by research — our food, transportation, healthcare interventions, education and even the arts are all influenced by research,” Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Jennifer Lundgren said. “Having research-active faculty ensures students are learning from professionals who are pushing their disciplines forward.”
Mayor Quinton Lucas said UMKC becoming an R1 institution draws national attention to the work happening at UMKC.
“This accolade strengthens UMKC and Kansas City’s reputation as an educational leader and a driver of innovation, showcasing the dedication and impact of its faculty, researchers and students,” he said.
Tim Cowden, president and CEO of Kansas City Area Development Council, said the milestone will elevate Kansas City on the world stage while giving it a competitive edge and attract businesses that will create high-paying jobs.
Significant areas of research at UMKC include digital humanities and health care, defense and other fields with specialties in electromagnetic radiation and energy, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and data science.
The Missouri University of Science and Technology and St. Louis University also received the R1 designation in 2025.