The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education recently released its research designations and CU Denver has once again been ranked an R1 institution. The designation is shared with CU Anschutz. This means we are among a select group of research universities nationwide conducting cutting-edge and life-changing research.
What is an R1 Classification?
R1 classification, or “very high research activity” status, is reserved for institutions that demonstrate exceptional research output, doctoral degree production, and investment in science and engineering. Among the nearly 4,000 degree-granting universities in the U.S., only 187 were awarded this designation in 2025, which makes CU Denver part of an important group of higher education institutions dedicated to advancing scientific discoveries and medical breakthroughs. “The designation recognizes that our faculty are conducting impactful research that is changing the way we live, work, and play while training the next generation of innovators to tackle tomorrow’s new challenges,” said Associate Vice Chancellor for Research Phillip De Leon.
CU Denver’s Office of Research Services (ORS) continues to build research capacity and support faculty research development. As a result, sponsored research awards and expenditures have reached new highs. In fiscal year (FY) 2024, CU Denver reported $31.3 million in awards and $25.4 million in expenditures, which represents 69% and 34% growth (respectively) compared to FY 2022.
What Problems Are CU Denver Researchers Working to Solve?
Enhancing Wind Energy Production: More than 10% of U.S. electricity is now generated from wind power and Colorado is among the top 10 states that produce energy through wind turbines. But extreme weather events—like snowstorms, ice storms, or freezing rainfall—severely impact this renewable energy source and destabilize power systems. Research by engineering Professor Linyue Gao, PhD, will provide data and recommendations to help renewable energy companies operate their wind farms more efficiently year-round, including during winter months.
Using the Power of AI to Find Sewer Line Defects: With more than 1,500 miles of sanitary sewer lines in Denver, breaks can cause disruptions by shutting down businesses and causing a literal stink. During an internship in Denver’s wastewater IT department, Brian Zavareh, a graduate student in CU Denver’s College of Engineering, Design, and Computing, realized he could apply what he’d learned during his doctoral studies at CU Denver to help the city spend less time looking at videos and more time making repairs. He took the idea to Farnoush Banaei-Kashani, PhD, a computer science and engineering professor, and now the two of them are launching a company together.
Researching Affordable Housing in Urban Settings: A CU Denver research team is tackling climate resiliency and affordable housing by researching transit-oriented communities (TOCs). Professor Tanya Heikkila, PhD, and her interdisciplinary team will examine how Colorado’s policies support TOCs, their impact on housing and climate, barriers to implementation, and ways to engage affected communities.
Paving the Way for Sustainable Building Materials: Julee Herdt, PhD, is revolutionizing sustainable construction with her invention of BioSIPs® (Bio-Structural Insulated Panels). These panels repurpose 100% recycled biomass waste, such as paper and agricultural by-products, into high-strength, non-toxic, and carbon-negative building materials. Herdt’s research aims to reduce the carbon footprint of construction by providing eco-friendly alternatives to traditional materials like concrete and steel. Her work not only diverts waste from landfills but also contributes to the development of energy-efficient and affordable buildings.
Studying Conservation and Forest Ecology: The American Association for the Advancement of Science named Diana Tomback, PhD, professor and recent interim chair of Integrative Biology, an AAAS Fellow for her contributions to conservation biology and forest ecology. She gained recognition in the 1980s for discovering that the whitebark pine relies on Clark’s nutcracker for seed dispersal. She later worked with the U.S. Forest Service to study whitebark pine decline in the Rocky Mountains and helped to get it on the “threatened species list” of the Endangered Species Act.
