Wright State retains Carnegie Research 2 classification, reinforcing national research impact

Driven by impactful research and doctoral training, Wright State University has retained its Carnegie Research 2 (R2) classification in the 2025 rankings.

Wright State’s Research 2: High Research Spending and Doctorate Production classification was based on the university’s research activities in fiscal years 2021, 2022 and 2023. During that period, Wright State spent an average of $26.6 million annually on research activities and awarded an average of 25 research doctorates.

Wright State is one of 139 universities nationally to receive a Research 2 designation under the Carnegie Foundation’s updated research activity designations for 2025.

The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education is the nation’s leading framework for categorizing the missions and research activity of U.S. colleges and universities. Under a new framework introduced in 2025, Research 2 status requires universities to average at least $5 million in annual research spending and award at least 20 research doctorates a year.

Maintaining the R2 designation signals Wright State’s continued commitment to advancing discovery while training the next generation of researchers and professionals.

“Wright State’s R2 designation is a reflection of the talent and drive of our faculty, staff and students,” said Subhashini Ganapathy, Ph.D., vice provost for research and innovation. “From doctoral candidates to undergraduates, our students don’t just study research; they do it alongside faculty who are advancing their fields.”

Wright State is dedicated to advancing impactful research and supporting learning that enhance health care outcomes, promote public well-being and enrich student experiences. With opportunities for research at all academic levels, Wright State fosters a collaborative environment where students work alongside expert faculty.

“Retaining our R2 Carnegie designation is a testament to the productivity of our talented faculty and the support of our administrative staff in the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs,” said Provost Jim Denniston, Ph.D. “Our faculty’s success in securing external funding promotes discovery, elevates the research profile of the institution and allows our faculty to train the next generation of research and clinical scientists.”

Wright State’s research portfolio includes major initiatives in biomedical science, neuroscience, health care, human performance and microelectronics.

Wright State has received significant external funding in recent years to support research that addresses pressing societal needs in areas ranging from defense and public health to advanced manufacturing. That support drives discovery and creates hands-on opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to contribute to meaningful, real-world research.

Wright State will showcase its student research endeavors during the 13th annual Celebration of Undergraduate and Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities on April 1. The event provides students from a wide array of disciplines the occasion to showcase their scholarly achievements through podium and poster presentations.