Positioning UPRM for R1: A Framework for Research Excellence, Graduate Growth, and Regional Impact
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As the author of the report “Positioning UPRM for R1: A Framework for Research Excellence, Graduate Growth, and Regional Impact,” I outline a bold yet attainable plan for the University of Puerto Rico - Mayagüez (UPRM) to achieve Carnegie R1 classification. This designation, reserved for universities with the highest levels of research activity, would position UPRM among the most prestigious research institutions in the U.S. The report explains how targeted investments in research faculty, expanded doctoral education, and modern infrastructure could not only elevate the university’s academic profile, but also transform Puerto Rico’s economy and capacity for innovation. With a funding target ranging from 28.745 million to 95.070 million dollars annually, this effort envisions a coordinated mix of contributions from government agencies, internal reallocation within UPRM, and support from donors and private investors. These combined efforts can unlock significant returns in external funding, talent retention, and regional resilience.
This initiative is grounded in data and benchmarking from peer institutions that have successfully transitioned to R1 status. I propose a phased, scalable strategy that includes hiring research-focused faculty, providing competitive PhD fellowships, and enhancing research administration and infrastructure. The plan addresses both the quantitative benchmarks and the institutional reforms necessary to support sustained research growth and high-quality graduate education. More importantly, the strategy is designed with fiscal responsibility and accountability in mind, offering multiple entry points for investment by public, private, and philanthropic stakeholders.
My intention with this report is to raise awareness, stimulate critical dialogue, and catalyze collaborative action across academia, government, and industry. Puerto Rico is at a pivotal moment, and UPRM can serve as a keystone institution for economic recovery and scientific leadership in the region. I invite readers to explore the analysis, reflect on its implications, and consider how they can contribute to realizing this transformative vision. This is more than a call for investment in a university—it is a call to invest in Puerto Rico’s future.
