UA Little Rock Maintains Research 2 Status in 2025 Carnegie Classification
UA Little Rock has once again been recognized as a doctoral university with high research activity, receiving the designation of an R2 university by the Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education. The designation highlights UA Little Rock’s continued commitment to impactful research and its growth in doctoral education.
According to the Carnegie classification, R2 institutions are those that awarded at least 20 research/scholarship doctoral degrees during the upgrade year and had at least $5 million in research expenditures.
The university’s R2 classification signifies high research activity and places UA Little Rock among a select group of institutions nationwide. This recognition is based on research expenditures of approximately $8.7 million in fiscal year 2023 and an average of 47 research doctorates awarded from 2020 to 2023.
Brian Berry, vice provost of research and dean of the Graduate School, expressed enthusiasm about the university’s continued success in research and innovation.
“Earning this designation reaffirms UA Little Rock’s commitment to impactful research that addresses real-world challenges,” Berry said. “Our faculty and students are driving innovation in areas like cybersecurity, biotechnology, data science, and artificial intelligence. With our research activity and external funding on the rise, we’re excited to build on this momentum and continue making meaningful contributions to Arkansas and beyond.”
UA Little Rock’s research portfolio includes major initiatives in cybersecurity, biotechnology, and data science. Key contributors to this research include Dr. Philip Huff, associate professor of cybersecurity; Dr. Alex Biris, director of the Center for Integrative Nanotechnology Sciences, and Dr. Nitin Agarwal, director of the Collaboratorium for Social Media and Online Behavioral Studies (COSMOS) Research Center. You can learn more about their groundbreaking research initiatives in this video.
In addition to maintaining its R2 classification, UA Little Rock has seen impressive growth in research funding. Sponsored projects funded by external grants and contracts have increased by 30% over the past four years, while federal research expenditures have risen by 50% during the same period.
“The hard work of dedicated faculty, researchers, and students continues to drive innovation, economic development, and technological advancements that benefit central Arkansas and beyond,” Berry said.
UA Little Rock will showcase its student research efforts during the university’s annual Research and Creative Works Expo from 12-4 p.m. April 18. The event provides an opportunity for faculty, students, and the broader community to explore groundbreaking projects and collaborations.
For more information on UA Little Rock’s research initiatives, visit ualr.edu/research.