The Research Universities for Michigan, a driving force for innovation and economic growth in the state and Great Lakes region, is expanding to include Michigan Technological University, our state’s newest R1 designated university.
Joining Michigan State University, the University of Michigan and Wayne State University, MTU’s inclusion marks the first addition to the RU4M since its formation in 2006.
MTU’s recent elevation to R1 research institution status by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education formally placed the university among the nation’s most elite research institutions. MTU’s membership in the RU4M builds on that momentum, further aligning the university’s cutting-edge research and talent pipeline with Michigan’s key industries, including advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and life and health sciences.
“Michigan Tech’s addition to the RU4M is a natural fit,” said Santa J. Ono, chair of the RU4M executive board and president of the University of Michigan. “MTU’s world-class research and deep expertise in engineering, technology and environmental science will amplify the RU4M’s ability to solve some of the most pressing challenges facing Michigan and the world. Together, we are better positioned than ever to support economic growth and innovation throughout the state.”
Michigan’s four R1 universities have grown the research conducted through their institutions, totaling more than $3.135 billion in R&D expenditures for FY23. This accounts for more than 93% of the state’s total academic R&D and 95% of the state’s total academic R&D funded by the federal government, which supports defense-related, health sciences and other vital research to drive American competitiveness.
MTU brings a long history of collaboration with industry and research partners, with $106.9 million in research expenditures in FY24 and 300% growth in research funding since 2004. Their expertise in engineering, advanced manufacturing, mobility and sustainability complements the RU4M’s research strengths, expanding the alliance’s capacity to address critical challenges.
For years, MTU has actively engaged with the founding RU4M universities in research collaborations of relevance to Michiganders. These partnerships have yielded advancements in life-saving medical devices, watershed restoration, water quality in the Great Lakes, astronomical observation, and autonomous vehicle technology on land, in the air and underwater.
“Michigan Tech is honored to join the RU4M and work alongside Michigan’s leading research institutions,” said MTU President Richard J. Koubek. “Together, we will continue driving innovation, supporting industry, and ensuring our state remains a global leader in research and talent development.”
All four RU4M universities are committed to fostering strategic partnerships between academia, industry and government. This commitment is exemplified by their participation in the Michigan Space Grant Consortium, a NASA-initiated program promoting space-related science and technology.
It is also evident in their years of collaborative efforts to grow Michigan’s innovation ecosystem. Together, they have developed, administered and championed state and institutional programs to support university innovation and innovators through venture capital seed funds for university startups, fast tracking university technologies into critical markets, and attracting entrepreneurial leaders to advise university innovators.
With enrollment of more than 159,000 students and nearly 40,000 degrees conferred in 2023, the RU4M’s four member universities are preparing talent in high demand by Michigan’s leading industries. This includes nearly 15,000 graduates each year in engineering, business and computer science.
“Michigan Tech’s addition to the RU4M marks a pivotal moment, amplifying our collective strength and significantly deepening our impact on Michigan, said Britany Affolter-Caine, executive director of the Research Universities for Michigan. “By combining MTU’s research excellence, commitment to industry, and the RU4M’s established strengths, we will accelerate economic growth, create more opportunities, and deliver even greater benefits to Michiganders statewide.”
Michigan Tech joining the Research Universities for Michigan is a game-changer for our state’s innovation ecosystem. As an MTU faculty member and founder of Orbion Space Technology, I’ve seen firsthand the incredible research, talent and industry partnerships that MTU brings to the table. With four R1 universities collaborating, this alliance strengthens our state’s ability to attract investment, drive technological breakthroughs and prepare the next generation of innovators — making Michigan a true global powerhouse for research and economic development.
With its R1 designation, the nation and beyond know what the Upper Peninsula has long known — that Michigan Tech is a national leader in engineering, advanced manufacturing and sustainability research and a catalyst for innovation and economic growth in our region. By joining forces with Michigan’s other R1 universities, they’ll open even more opportunities to attract investment, develop groundbreaking technologies and prepare the highly skilled workforce our industries need. MTU’s embrace of this partnership further builds on the region’s momentum.
Every day, I have the great honor of working with ITC employees who have graduated from the four R1 universities, including Michigan Tech. Innovation and collaboration are two of the primary skillsets I see from our talented employees, who all play a key role at ITC Michigan, which owns, operates and maintains the electric infrastructure that powers Michigan’s communities and economy. With this powerful alliance of top research universities, we have an even greater opportunity to cultivate the talent needed to support critical innovation and drive economic growth and investment in our state.
