Mission and Momentum

Baylor’s research output and impact have grown dramatically in recent years. Over a five-year span, research dollars awarded to Baylor have nearly tripled annually, while proposals submitted by Baylor faculty have grown 150%. But, as Vice Provost for Research Kevin Chambliss, Ph.D., shares here, this increase means far more than metrics. It’s a growing extension of the Baylor mission.

It’s hard to believe it’s been four years since Baylor was first classified as an R1 institution. On this side of that achievement, how would you describe Baylor’s research enterprise heading into 2026? 

Baylor research continues to be in a season of remarkable momentum and global impact. When we initially received that classification, we were just above the line. Now, we’re squarely R1. When you look at the financial metrics that reflect this, like dollars awarded to our faculty through grants, we continue to set new records for the University. This reflects years of strategic growth. More important to us than numbers, however, is that growing impact — research that addresses key challenges and has an impact in the search for solutions.

Can you share an example of a project that demonstrates that kind of impact?

There are areas like health, engineering, human flourishing and more — our faculty are leading transformative work all over. But to pick one, the Global Flourishing Study, led by Byron Johnson, Ph.D., is a prime example. In partnership with Harvard University, Gallup and the Center for Open Science, it’s a first-of-its-kind global effort to understand what drives human flourishing across cultures and demographics. That kind of work speaks directly to our mission and to the heart of Baylor in Deeds. 

There are 187 R1 institutions nationally, 52 of which, like Baylor, are private universities. It’s a great list to be a part of, but what sets Baylor apart from our peers in this area?

What sets Baylor apart isn’t just the growth — it’s the “why.” Our Christian mission informs not only what we do, but why we do it. We see research as a calling, a way to extend God’s influence into the world through innovation, service and discovery. Baylor researchers are increasingly at the table in national conversations. The global impact we’re poised to have in the future should make everyone in the Baylor Family proud as we embody what it means to be a preeminent Christian research university.