Top-Tier Research

Old Dominion University belongs to an elite group of institutions accounting for less than 5% of four-year research universities nationwide. Members of that group share the prestigious Research 1 (R1) Classification indicating “very high research activity.” 

What R1 Means for

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What It Means for Prospective Students & Faculty

  • Increased value of an degree.
  • Greater potential for securing research dollars.
  • Higher rate of upward mobility.
students in front of electronic map

What R1 Means for the Region

A top-tier research institution can:

  • Attract innovators and problem-solvers to tackle pressing community issues. 
  • Spur economic development.
  • Encourage talent retention.
  • Contribute to an ecosystem that supports entrepreneurship, commercialization and partnerships. 
197
Research Scientists & Postdoctoral Research Associates
5,157
Scientific and Scholarly Publications
Authored in Five Years
408
Active Faculty Researchers
On Sponsored Projects

Research Powerhouse by the Sea

’s R1 status and proximity to federal labs, the military, waterways and ocean makes it an appealing place to do impactful work. What's more, is the most affordable R1 in Virginia.  

r1 Coastal Resilience
R1 Researcher with petri dish

Research Muscle

is leading the way in:

  • Coastal resilience
  • Maritime
  • Public health
  • Cybersecurity
  • Modeling and simulation
  • Data science
  • Bioelectrics
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Research Relationships

is a key academic partner for:

  • Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (JLab)
  • NASA Langley Research Center
  • NASA Wallops Flight Facility
  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
  • Department of Defense
  • Other federal agencies