Saygin: UTRGV’s ‘Target Carnegie R1’ plan just received a big boost

EDINBURG, Texas – Dr. Can (John) Saygin says a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to UT-Rio Grande Valley is a significant step towards moving the university to Carnegie R1 status.

Saygin is a senior vice president for research and dean of the graduate college at UTRGV.

R1 signifies that a university has “Very High Research Activity.”

The $5 million grant, awarded by the Biden-Harris Administration, is part of a $93 million initiative funded under the U.S. Department of Education’s Research and Development Infrastructure (RDI) program. 

In an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, Saygin pointed out that UTRGV is one of only two Texas institutions to receive the award. The other is Texas Southern University.

“This grant serves as a catalyst for our ‘Target Carnegie R1’ plan, directly contributing to our strategic efforts in research development and enhancement,” Saygin said.

“By investing in these key areas, we are not only advancing our university’s research capabilities, but also significantly enriching the academic and professional environment for our students, faculty and staff.”

But, Saygin said, the grant extends beyond achieving R1 status. He said it reinforces UTRGV’s commitment to the community in addressing regional challenges and contributing to the global economy.

“It marks a pivotal moment in our strategic expansion, including increasing successful grant proposals, increasing research expenditures, broadening our research base and strengthening our doctoral pipeline,” Saygin said.

The four-year project runs from September 2024 through August 2028 and focuses on critical improvements to research infrastructure, research development and student support.

Saygin said the funding not only will strengthen UTRGV’s research infrastructure, but also will provide competitive graduate assistantships, support for postdoctoral researchers, and faculty-led research projects, which will further improve its Carnegie metrics, including total research expenditures and doctoral degrees.

Moreover, Saygin said, the grant will position UTRGV as a center for innovation, focusing on seven research pathways, from Human Health to Space Sciences to Societal Transformations.

UTRGV’s faculty and research staff will benefit from a robust support system, Saygin believes. He said this will include a research fellow program, tailored mentorship and grant writing services, all aimed at fostering research productivity and increasing funding opportunities.

Here is the interview with Dr. Saygin:

Editor’s Note: The above news story is the first in a three-part series featuring UTRGV’s Dr. Can (John) Saygin. Part Two will be posted later this week.

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