In the Big League for Research

SIU Carbondale is in elite company: Research 1 by the Carnegie Classification for Institutions of Higher Education. This designation confirms we’re on the same level as Ivy League and flagship universities.

What Does R1 Mean?

The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Higher Education is the gold standard when it comes to university designations. One of the most important classifications from the Carnegie Foundation pertains to research. Research 1: Very High Spending and Doctorate Production is the top designation.

The criteria to be designated R1 are: On average in a single year, an institution spends at least $50 million on research and development and produces at least 70 research doctorates. In 2023-24, for example, SIU Carbondale spent $61.4 million on research and awarded 102 doctoral degrees related to research.

  • We’re Also an Opportunity University

    In addition to R1, SIU Carbondale on Carnegie’s list of Opportunity Colleges and Universities — Higher Access, Higher Earnings. That means we open doors for students from varied backgrounds and have a provable track-record of post-graduation success.

    We are in extraordinary company. Only 21 institutions in the country — less than 1% — are both R1 and Opportunity.

    The numbers bear this out:

    • Two of every five students are the first in their families to go to college.
    • Almost 40% of students are ethnic minorities.
    • More than one-third of Salukis receive Pell Grants.
    • Our graduates earn almost $3 for every dollar invested at SIU.

Why SIU Excels

  • Higher Ed’s In-Crowd

    Less than 5% of classified institutions are designated R1.

    Student researcher in lab.

  • Only a Few in the State

    In Illinois, SIU is just one of just three public R1 universities and the only R1 in a rural area.

    A group of individuals in yellow firefighter gear gathered outdoors, listening to a man holding a paper and wearing a white hard hat.

  • A Dynamo for the Region

    As the only R1 university within 100 miles, SIU Carbondale is a research powerhouse for Southern Illinois. 

    Pulliam clock tower on Southern Illinois University campus at sunset, with surrounding buildings, trees, and a pink-orange sky in the background.

  • Winning Support

    In fiscal year 2024, SIU earned $80.M in research, training, service and other grants and contracts.

    A researcher wearing a white lab coat and blue gloves using a Nikon microscope in a brightly lit laboratory.

What Does R1 Mean for SIU?

  • More Graduate Students

    Ambitious students know that R1 status ensures support for research. And they know we’ll have the faculty brain power to mentor and encourage their loftiest goals.

  • Research Funding

    R1 means we have a solid track record. Government agencies, not-for-profit organizations, and corporate interests know we are reliable and results-oriented.

  • Faculty Prestige

    We are nothing without our people. Our faculty are dedicated to teaching by doing, and that means research. The more we accomplish, the more top faculty we attract.

What Does R1 Mean for Me as a Student?

  • Opportunity

    Bigger reputation means more resources. Even more research activity. Opportunities are around every corner!

  • Reputation

    We’re on the same level as the Ivy League and flagship universities. We’ve believed in ourselves. And now we have the credentials to back it up.

  • As Early as Day One

    Why let the professors have all the fun? We’re serious about experiential learning. We’ve made it a habit to offer even first year students opportunities often reserved for graduate students elsewhere. Come here ready to go all in.

From Photography to Photosynthesis

Not just for the sciences! Research is for seekers and creators as well as investigators, problem-solvers, inventors and discoverers.

student blowing glass in studio

Discovering New Paths to a Better Future

Our research encompasses many disciplines — all aimed at making life better.

University Contacts

Vice Chancellor for Research

Constantinos Tsatsoulis, Ph.D.

Media Inquiries

Tim Crosby - Public Information Associate