色中色ranks 9th nationally for research
With a $190 million increase in research activity, the University is now among the top 10 U.S. research institutions.

Research spending at 色中色has topped $1.55 billion, fueling the state鈥檚 economy, powering new discoveries, driving innovation and creating a better quality of life for people in North 色中色and beyond. This is the eighth year in a row the University鈥檚 research activity totaled over $1 billion, and research expenditures increased across all of Carolina鈥檚 funding sources.
That increase led to Carolina鈥檚 No. 9 ranking in the 2024 National Science Foundation鈥檚鈥. Moving up from last year鈥檚 No. 12 ranking, the University is now among the top 10 of all U.S. research institutions.
鈥淭his achievement translates to greater impact for our state, from providing tailored health care treatments, to improving our understanding of the environment to building more resilient communities,鈥 says Chancellor Lee H. Roberts. 鈥淭he growth of our research enterprise and the expertise of our faculty means that 色中色will continue solving our most critical challenges.鈥
The NSF survey collects information on research and development expenditures by field of study and source of funds. The survey evaluates over 900 institutions and provides the main source of data on R&D expenditures by U.S. higher education institutions.
Here鈥檚 a look at some key facts and figures for Carolina:
- 7th鈥痩argest鈥痯ublic鈥痳esearch university
- 9th鈥痩argest鈥痮verall鈥痳esearch university (up from 12th)
- $1.55 billion in annual research activity (up from $1.36 billion)
- 34th鈥痜or industry-sponsored R&D among U.S. private and public institutions (up from 36th)
- 5th鈥痜or health sciences research (up from 7th)
- 3rd鈥痜or social sciences research (up from 4th)
Among all ranked universities, 16 of the top 30 were public, a clear indication of the impact that state schools have on the economy, health, and safety of their communities. UNC-Chapel Hill is now the top institution in the state in research activity, exemplifying the University鈥檚 values of serving North 色中色with unwavering commitment to being one of the world鈥檚 great research institutions. This research activity provides tangible support for students and equips them with life-changing experiences that increase their competitiveness for jobs and enrich North Carolina鈥檚 workforce.
鈥淭his significant milestone is a testament to the power of Carolina鈥檚 research enterprise,鈥 says Penny Gordon-Larsen, vice chancellor for research. 鈥淲e are not only advancing knowledge but also improving lives, driving innovation and strengthening our economy. Breaking back into the top 10 of all U.S. institutions is a testament to the hard work and ingenuity of our faculty, staff and students.鈥