Michigan Tech awarded prestigious research designation

What's happening: Michigan Technological University was designated as an “R1” research university by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, recognizing MTU as one of the top research universities in the United States. Only 187 universities of the more than 4,000 nationwide have this top research designation through the Carnegie classification system. Michigan Tech is the fourth university in the state to receive the R1 recognition, joining the University of Michigan, Michigan State University and Wayne State University. Michigan Tech is the first rural campus and first Upper Peninsula school to be recognized. 

A research leader: Michigan Tech has long been a facilitator of research opportunities in the Midwest, with its roles in the Great Lakes Research Center, the Keweenaw Research Center, the Michigan Tech Research Institute in Ann Arbor, the Translational Health Engineering Research Center in Grand Rapids and more. Recent pushes in research expenditures have grown to more than $100 million annually, a 300 percent growth since 2004. Since the pandemic, Michigan Tech has more invention disclosures than any other in Michigan, but more importantly, more than traditional schools of invention like Georgia Tech or Stanford University. 

What they're saying: "By remaining true to the mission of Michigan Tech's founding charter, we've joined the top tier of the nation's research institutions while serving the needs of Michigan industry. While we did not change who we are or what we do in pursuit of R1 designation, we are certainly proud to be recognized for the exemplary work our faculty and staff are doing in research and education, and we are excited for the opportunities that R1 status brings," said Rick Koubek, president of Michigan Technological University. 

What's next: Michigan Tech will be able to turn the recognition into opportunities for growth, both in attracting additional students to the Houghton campus and in finding new research projects. Universities that share R1 recognition often combine on research projects to be more attractive for potential grants, providing new chances to improve on MTU’s already impressive research capabilities.