UW joins the nation's top research institutions, elevating the university to elite status
A Historic Achievement
In early 2025 UW achieved Research Level 1 (R1) status from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, placing Wyoming's only four-year university with the top research universities in the United States. This prestigious designation recognizes our commitment to groundbreaking research, academic excellence, and impactful discoveries that benefit Wyoming and the world.
Looking Forward
R1 status is not just a recognition of our past achievements—it's a foundation for future growth. This designation will help UW:
- Attract more research funding and top talent
- Expand research capabilities and facilities
- Strengthen Wyoming's economy through innovation
- Enhance global impact and reach
- Create new opportunities for students and faculty
What R1 Status Means for Our Community
Strengthening Wyoming's Future
As Wyoming's first and only R1 research institution, UW's enhanced status brings unprecedented opportunities to our state:
- Accelerates economic diversification through research commercialization and technology transfer
- Attracts new industries and partnerships to Wyoming, creating high-skilled job opportunities
- Enhances research in critical state industries including energy, agriculture, tourism, and natural resources
- Provides Wyoming students with world-class research opportunities without leaving the state
- Increases federal research funding flowing into Wyoming's economy
- Strengthens UW's ability to address Wyoming-specific challenges in areas like water management, wildlife conservation, and rural healthcare
- Builds Wyoming's reputation as a hub for innovation and scientific advancement
More Information
For Students
- Enhanced research opportunities and hands-on experience
- Access to cutting-edge facilities and equipment
- Increased value of your UW degree
- Direct mentorship from leading researchers
- Increased value of your UW degree
- Greater opportunities for graduate funding
For Faculty
- Increased research funding opportunities
- Enhanced ability to attract top graduate students
- Greater opportunities for collaboration
- Improved facilities and resources
- Enhanced reputation in academic community
- Increased research funding opportunities
For Donors & Partners
- Greater impact of research investments
- Enhanced opportunities for industry partnerships
- Increased potential for commercialization
- Stronger economic impact on Wyoming
- Enhanced global recognition
- Research excellence at UW
Our R1 Status Reflects UW's Commitment To:
ADVANCE KNOWLEDGE ACROSS DISCIPLINES
SOLVE COMPLEX GLOBAL CHALLENGES
DRIVE INNOVATION AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
PREPARE THE NEXT GENERATION OF RESEARCHERS
SERVE WYOMING'S COMMUNITIES
R1 designation places UW among the leading research universities in the U.S. while maintaining our commitment to education and service to Wyoming.
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