Dear Colleagues, 

Today, the Carnegie Foundation released its 2025 research activity designations, and Temple University has again received the highest designation—R1: Very High Research Spending and Doctorate Production.

The classification underscores the university’s robust research enterprise and culture, deeply rooted in innovation and a commitment to transforming lives in Philadelphia and beyond.

Carnegie reviews national research universities on a three-year cycle. The methodology for the 2025 Carnegie Classifications employed clear thresholds set at $50 million in total research and development (R&D) spending and 70 doctoral research degrees, using the higher of either a three-year rolling average or most recent year data. Classifications are not influenced by peer input or other rankings. On average, over the last three years, Temple’s research expenditures have exceeded $297 million, and we have awarded more than 220 doctorates per year.

Since first rising into the top-tier classification in 2015, Temple has strategically invested in its research ecosystem, amplifying our ability to attract world-class faculty and fueling our efforts to conduct research with real-world impact.

This recognition is a testament to the excellence of our faculty and the superb support our staff provide to them. We should all take pride in this accomplishment.

Sincerely, 

John Fry
President

Gregory Mandel
Senior Vice President and Provost

Josh Gladden
Vice President for Research