Research Powerhouse

From public health to coastal resilience, Old Dominion University’s world-class research takes on society’s greatest challenges. 

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.â€� 

What R1 Means for ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½

High Bay Lab 38070

What It Means for Prospective Students & Faculty

  • Increased value of an ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ 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

ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½â€™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, ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ is the most affordable R1 in Virginia.  

R1 Researcher with petri dish

Research Muscle

ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ is leading the way in:

  • Coastal resilience
  • Maritime
  • Public health
  • Cybersecurity
  • Modeling and simulation
  • Data science
  • Bioelectrics
JLAB Dish 600

Research Relationships

ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ 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