SIU earns elite Research 1 status in national rankings

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Southern Illinois University has joined the nation’s top research institutions. The university has been designated a Research 1, or R1, institution in the latest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, placing it among the top 5% of research universities in the country.

This milestone reflects the combined academic strength of the SIU campuses in Springfield and Carbondale and affirms the university’s national leadership in discovery and innovation.

“This recognition confirms what we at SIU have always known: that world-class research is happening right here in central and southern Illinois,” said Dr. Jerry Kruse, dean and provost of SIU School of Medicine. “As an academic institution, we are committed to advancing knowledge that improves health and transforms communities.”

A designation with national significance

The R1 distinction is awarded by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. SIU now joins a small, prestigious group of six R1 institutions in Illinois, including Loyola University Chicago, Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the University of Illinois Chicago.

Carnegie evaluates universities every three years based on their research productivity and the number of research doctorates awarded. R1 institutions must award at least 70 research doctorates annually and report a minimum of $50 million in research expenditures. In 2023, SIU surpassed both benchmarks with 102 research doctorates and $58.3 million in research spending.

Excellence in academic medicine

SIU School of Medicine plays a central role in the university’s research growth. Its faculty conducts high-impact research that fuels discovery, informs clinical care and improves lives across the region.

“This honor validates years of focused work to elevate our research mission,” said Dr. Don Torry, associate dean for research at SIU School of Medicine. “Our scientists are tackling real-world problems and making breakthroughs that matter—from the lab to the clinic.”

At SIU School of Medicine, research teams are pioneering new ways to detect, prevent and treat disease. That environment of inquiry also enriches education. Students benefit from direct access to nationally funded investigators and opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge studies.

“This recognition isn’t just about national rankings. It’s about creating a culture where ideas thrive and people—especially our patients and learners—benefit from that innovation,” said Dr. Kruse. “It affirms our identity as a forward-thinking, community-driven institution that puts discovery to work.”