Georgia's Research Powerhouse Expands, Fueling Statewide Innovation

ATLANTA, GA – May 20, 2026 – The Georgia Research Alliance (GRA) has officially welcomed Georgia Southern University and Kennesaw State University into its prestigious ranks, a strategic expansion that promises to accelerate innovation and economic growth across new regions of the state. The move, which brings the GRA’s membership to ten public and private universities, recognizes the rapidly growing research capabilities of both institutions and positions them to become major drivers of Georgia's economic future.

This expansion is backed by a significant state investment. Governor Brian Kemp’s newly signed FY27 budget includes $2 million to establish two new endowed chairs for GRA Eminent Scholars, one designated for each of the new member universities. This funding is a critical component of the GRA’s proven model for elevating university research.

The Ascent to Research 1 Status

Both Georgia Southern and Kennesaw State are on a clear trajectory toward achieving the coveted “Research 1” (R1) designation from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, the highest tier for research universities in the United States. This classification is awarded to institutions that demonstrate "very high research activity," defined by benchmarks such as spending at least $50 million annually on research and development and awarding at least 70 research-based doctorates per year.

Currently holding R2 status ("High Research Activity"), both universities are poised to cross the R1 threshold. Projections show each institution generating approximately $60 million in R&D expenditures in fiscal year 2026, comfortably surpassing the financial requirement. In fact, Kennesaw State reported surpassing the $50 million mark in FY24 with $51.575 million in R&D spending. Georgia Southern has also seen a dramatic surge in research funding, and university leadership has indicated R1 status could be achieved as early as fiscal year 2028. This momentum was a key factor in their inclusion in the GRA.

“Welcoming Georgia Southern University and Kennesaw State University onto the GRA team is a home run,” said University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue. “It not only raises the research profile of our entire university system but, more importantly, puts real economic horsepower into more communities.”

A Strategic Investment in Talent and Growth

The creation of two new GRA Eminent Scholar positions is a cornerstone of this expansion. The GRA’s Eminent Scholar program is designed to attract world-class scientists and researchers to Georgia. These scholars bring not only their expertise but also substantial research funding, intellectual capital, and often entire teams of junior researchers, creating a powerful ripple effect within their host institutions.

The $2 million state allocation will serve as the seed for endowed chairs that will help Georgia Southern and Kennesaw State recruit transformative figures in their fields. This infusion of elite talent is expected to significantly boost their ability to secure competitive federal grants, launch new research centers, and forge industry partnerships.

“GRA is a proven catalyst for growing university research and entrepreneurship in our state, and our two newest members are certainly going to help accelerate that growth,” said GRA President and CEO Tim Denning. He expressed gratitude for the support from Governor Kemp and the General Assembly, noting that the expansion will "strengthen the innovation ecosystem in new regions of our state."

Chancellor Perdue emphasized the long-term economic vision, describing the investment as creating a "flywheel effect that keeps generating new growth and prosperity. When we turn innovation into homegrown companies and high-wage jobs, the entire state wins.” This sentiment underscores the GRA's 36-year track record, which boasts a cumulative return on investment of over $16 billion for Georgia.

Spreading Innovation Beyond the Metro

A key significance of this expansion is its potential to decentralize Georgia's innovation landscape, which has historically been concentrated in the Atlanta metro area. By bringing universities in Statesboro and Kennesaw into the fold, the GRA is making a deliberate effort to cultivate economic development and high-tech job growth in other vital regions of the state.

Leaders at both universities have embraced this regional responsibility. "This is an ideal moment for Georgia Southern to join GRA," said university President Kyle Marrero. He affirmed the university’s commitment to "addressing the critical needs of Southeast Georgia through research that strengthens communities, drives economic development and improves quality of life across the region.”

Similarly, Kennesaw State President Kathy S. Schwaig highlighted the university's focus on practical impact. "This moment reflects a sustained commitment to expanding our research capacity and to cultivating partnerships that connect discovery to real-world solutions," she stated. "As part of this distinguished network, we are eager to collaborate in new ways, contribute to Georgia’s growing innovation landscape, and further elevate opportunities for our students, faculty and communities.”

Unlocking Collaborative Potential

Immediate and tangible benefits for both universities include access to the GRA Core Exchange. This unique program allows researchers from any of the ten member institutions to use sophisticated, high-cost research equipment and facilities at other partner universities without incurring external administrative fees. This sharing of resources eliminates redundant spending on expensive instrumentation and, more importantly, fosters a deeply collaborative environment.

By removing financial and bureaucratic barriers, the Core Exchange encourages interdisciplinary projects and allows scientists to access the best possible tools for their work, regardless of location. This interconnected network is crucial for tackling complex scientific challenges and accelerating the pace of discovery. The inclusion of Georgia Southern and Kennesaw State not only gives their faculty access to this network but also adds their own unique facilities and expertise to the collective pool of resources available to all GRA members. This move solidifies a more integrated and powerful statewide research infrastructure, poised to produce innovations that benefit all of Georgia.