UTRGV awarded $5M to help reach Carnegie status

EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley has been awarded a $5 million grant.

The grant was awarded by the Biden-Harris Administration to develop and implement strategies that will help the university reach Carnegie "Very High Research Activity" status that is also known as R1, according to a release.

It is a part of a $93 million initiative that is funded under the U.S. Department of Education's Research and Development Infrastructure program.

UTRGV is one of only two Texas institutions to receive this award, the other being Texas Southern University in Houston.

"This support is a landmark in UTRGV's journey to becoming a leading research institution," UTRGV President, Guy Bailey, said. "It will help us continue to offer unmatched educational and research opportunities."

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

"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," said Dr. Can (John) Saygin, senior vice president for research, dean of the Graduate College and principal investigator of the award.

The grant will position UTRGV as a center for innovation and will focus on seven research pathways from Human Health to Space Sciences and Societal Transformations.

"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," said Saygin.

UTRGV's faculty and research staff will benefit from a strong support system, including a Research Fellow program, tailored mentorship and grant writing services, all aimed at fostering research productivity and increasing funding opportunities.