Skip to main content
Indiana University
IU Brand
Strategy

IU Indianapolis R1 Classification

IU Indianapolis is now one of the nation’s premier research universities after receiving Research 1 (R1) status from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Learn what this designation means, why it’s important, and how to talk about the R1 classification in your materials.

IU Indy research student in lab coat

What R1 classification means

The prestigious R1 classification from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education is the highest distinction for research universities, recognizing doctoral-granting institutions with the most significant research activity.

To qualify, universities must have at least $50 million in research expenditures and award at least 70 doctoral degrees annually. Achieving this elite status brings transformative benefits, including:

  • Attracting top faculty and students
  • Expanded research opportunities
  • Cutting-edge facilities and resources
  • Increased grant funding for 50+ research centers

This classification highlights IU Indianapolis’ role in advancing health, economic, and cultural innovation. Located in the heart of Indiana’s capital, the campus is now an even stronger hub for advanced research and interdisciplinary partnerships.

Why now?

In 2025, the Carnegie Classification modernized its criteria, shifting to a more multidimensional approach. Indiana University now joins an elite group of institutions with multiple R1 campuses.

Tone and messaging

All captions and associated visuals should align with the university brand value of conviction and the Indianapolis brand value of momentum. Our tone is confident, enthusiastic, and inspiring. Messaging should communicate the following:

  • IU Indianapolis is Indy’s only R1
  • IU Indianapolis is a “premier research university"
  • IU Indianapolis researchers and students are tackling some of society’s biggest challenges
  • IU Indianapolis has been and will continue to be at the forefront of groundbreaking discoveries
  • At R1s, research study spans the academic spectrum, from social and life sciences to arts and humanities

Faculty benefits

  • More funding opportunities
  • Enhanced reputation and credibility
  • Opened doors for career advancements, collaborations with fellow top researchers at peer institutions, and partnerships with industry and other key constituencies

Student benefits

  • Increased opportunities to learn from leading researchers and scholars
  • Greater access to state-of-the-art research facilities and other top-tier resources
  • More chances to pursue and contribute to pioneering research, forge innovative cross-disciplinary pathways, and drive the research and development ecosystem

Promoting R1 on your website

Review your unit’s website for opportunities to highlight this achievement in a way that fits naturally with your existing content. Consider incorporating it into existing pages focused on research activities, opportunities, and outcomes using:

  • Text chunks
  • Callouts
  • Calls to action
  • Feature content blocks

Digital resources

For R1 badges, social graphics, photography, and promotional video, visit the Tools and Resources section on this site.

Access the digital assets

Remember: tailor the content for the page and avoid duplicating content from other pages. Search engines prioritize original content.

Linking to R1 information

You can link to the IU Indianapolis Research page for specific details about R1 or the R1 Features News page for research-related storytelling.