The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa has once again earned the highest research designation after spending more than $313 million on research and awarding 166 research doctorates in the most recent year measured. The updated 2025 Research Activity Designation was announced on February 13.
The Carnegie Foundation and American Council on Education’s top-tier designation, Research 1 (R1): Very High Spending and Doctorate Production, requires institutions to spend at least $50 million on research and development and award at least 70 research doctorates annually.
“This highest-level research designation confirms that UH Mānoa stands among the nation’s leading universities, which means our local students can access world-class research opportunities right here at home without having to leave Hawaiʻi,” UH Mānoa Provost Michael Bruno said. “Just as importantly, it shows we’re bringing significant research dollars into our state economy and developing solutions for Hawaiʻi‘s unique challenges—from protecting our marine ecosystems to advancing renewable energy and ensuring that our residents have access to the best possible medical care.”
UH Mānoa far exceeded the minimum requirements, according to data from two national surveys. The National Science Foundation’s Higher Education Research and Development Survey showed $313.1 million in research expenditures for fiscal year 2023. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Education’s Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System reported 166 research doctorates awarded in 2022–23. The rankings considered data from 2021–23, using either the three-year average or most recent year’s figures, whichever was higher.
“UH Mānoa’s R1 designation reflects our dedication to cutting-edge research and its transformative impact,” UH Mānoa Interim Vice Provost for Research and Scholarship Christopher Sabine said. “At six times the R1 threshold we are a research powerhouse, attracting top talent and ensuring that UH Mānoa remains at the forefront of discovery for years to come.”
UH Mānoa was named one of 146 R1: doctoral universities (very high research activity) in the latest version of the Basic Classification by the Carnegie Foundation in 2021. The foundation will announce a new broader institution classification ranking in April 2025.
