Research at The University of Toledo

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Feb. 13, 2025

UToledo Recognized Among the Nation’s Leading Research Institutions with Carnegie R1 Classification

The University of Toledo is recognized among the country’s top-tier research universities with the prestigious R1 Classification.

UToledo earned the recognition for very high research activity in the latest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education announced in February 2025.

Universities that achieve this highest research designation average at least $50 million in total annual research spending and award at least 70 research doctorates annually.

“This is an important milestone for The University of Toledo that recognizes our leadership role in conducting innovative academic research and educating students at the highest level,” UToledo Interim President Matt Schroeder said. “It is important for our University and for our community. Achieving R1 status will attract high-achieving students and faculty to our campus who want to be part of a University recognized for academic excellence and amazing research opportunities, and it will attract more support for research and innovation that benefits our region and the world.”

The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education is the leading framework for describing colleges and universities in the U.S. There are 187 total institutions of higher education with an R1 classification in the nation, and seven total in Ohio including UToledo, which is the only one in the region.

The designation recognizing UToledo’s very high research activity comes after UToledo researchers earned more than $72.2 million in competitive external awards during fiscal year 2024, an impressive total that’s the second highest in the institution’s history.

UToledo’s areas of established research excellence include astronomy and astrophysics; solar energy, water quality and sustainable technologies; and cell architecture and dynamics.

“UToledo’s robust research enterprise is bolstered by our valuable connections with industrial partners and collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy’s national laboratories on projects to develop breakthrough solutions to global challenges, particularly clean energy, grid security, water quality, human health and manufacturing,” said Dr. Frank Calzonetti, vice president for innovation and economic development.

“At UToledo, we have built strong research programs through the efforts of our faculty and researchers who make scientific discoveries in sophisticated laboratories while engaging students throughout the process and creating a pipeline of experienced scientists,” said Dr. Constance Schall, interim vice president for research. “This work is not only important to advance knowledge, but university research is relevant and applicable to solving real world challenges. We are proud to be recognized as a research leader.”

Powering Solar Energy Innovation

UToledo and its Wright Center for Photovoltaics Innovation and Commercialization is a leader in solar energy research and development. From efforts exploring perovskite solar cells as a lower-cost, higher-efficiency replacement to silicon to developing new materials for space-based solar energy technologies, UToledo’s researchers are advancing clean energy technologies for a sustainable future.

Recent Research News

Dr. Yanfa Yan, Yeming Xian and Dr. Xiaoming Wang at a white board

UToledo Physicists Collaborate With International Researchers to Improve Stability of Perovskite Solar Cells Sept. 17, 2024

Air Force Awards UToledo Up to $15M to Develop New Materials for Space-Based Solar Energy Technologies Sept. 3, 2024

UToledo Physicists Innovate Solution, Extend Lifespan of Perovskite Solar Cells July 9, 2024

UToledo Contributes Solar Expertise to New $31M Northwest Ohio Glass Innovation Hub July 1, 2024

UToledo, National Lab Researchers Partner to Advance Perovskite Solar Cell Development Oct. 3, 2023

Protecting Water Quality

UToledo and its Water Task Force are leaders in protecting water quality and the health of Lake Erie. UToledo recently recognized its research efforts on the 10-year anniversary of the city of Toledo’s “Do Not Drink” water advisory. Read more at utoledo.edu/research/water-quality.

Recent Research News

UToledo Research to Help Water Utilities Evaluate Use of Algaecides Jan. 22, 2025

UToledo Faculty Advance Ohio’s Harmful Algal Bloom Research Initiative Dec. 6, 2024

UToledo Chemist Receives NIH Environmental Research Award to Identify Novel Algal Toxins Sept. 5, 2024

UToledo to Evaluate Effects of Airborne Algal Toxins in 200 Northwest Ohioans July 11, 2024

UToledo, National Lab Investigate What Fuels Growth of Lake Erie’s Algal Blooms June 13, 2024

UToledo Partners with University of Michigan to Lead Great Lakes Research Project June 3, 2024

Advancing Astronomy

UToledo astronomers are engaged with the most advanced terrestrial observatories and space-based telescopes in the world, supporting the groundbreaking research of the global astronomical community and exciting future generations of stargazers in the process.

Recent Research News

Dr. Anne Medling standing on the rooftop with astronomy building in background

UToledo Astronomer Collaborates on NASA Research into Extreme Starburst Galaxy April 9, 2024

2 Faculty Researchers, 1 Graduate Student to Lead New Projects on James Webb Space Telescope March 19, 2024

UToledo Astronomer Chairs James Webb Space Telescope Users Committee March 8, 2024

UToledo Astronomer Explores Cosmic Questions With Collaborative James Webb Survey Jan. 30, 2024

UToledo Astrophysicist Receives NSF Career Award Oct. 12, 2023

Creating New Treatments

Medical related research at UToledo is improving health outcomes through research to better understanding illness and develop more effective therapeutics. Faculty experts have unique areas of expertise across hypertension, POTS, cancer, stroke and other more.

Dr. Robert Smith holding a model of a brain in his lab at UToledo

Recent Research News

UToledo Researcher Leads ‘Moonshot’ Alzheimer’s Project Nov. 5, 2024

New Autism Research Examines Interaction of Genetics, Environmental Toxins Oct. 11, 2024

UToledo Receives More Than $3.8 Million for Novel Hypertension Research Sept. 19, 2024

Researcher Advances Novel Therapeutic Agent for Hemorrhagic Stroke March 1, 2024

UToledo Sperm Researchers Advance Reproductive Science Jan. 19, 2024

Novel Approach to Targeting Pancreatic Cancer Therapies Earns Federal Funding Jan. 12, 2024

Addressing Climate Change

From developing clean energy technologies to the effects of rising surface temperatures, UToledo faculty researchers are applying their expertise to solve environmental problems.

Dr. Mark Mason, Dr. Lesley Berhan standing in lab