Kennesaw State University announced on May 20 that it has been admitted as a member institution of the Georgia Research Alliance, expanding its role in research and innovation across the state.
The university’s membership in the alliance highlights its growing research activities and its efforts to support economic growth through innovation. The Georgia Research Alliance helps universities recruit leading researchers, provides access to advanced laboratory technologies, and assists in moving academic innovations into the marketplace.
“Becoming a Georgia Research Alliance member reflects the tremendous momentum of our research endeavors and the impact that Kennesaw State is making across Georgia and beyond,” said Kathy S. Schwaig, president of Kennesaw State University. “This milestone affirms our strategic investments in research and innovation and strengthens our ability to contribute to the state’s economic vitality while expanding opportunities for our students, faculty, and partners. We are thankful to the Georgia General Assembly and all the state leaders who support the growth of innovation in our state through GRA and through rapidly growing research universities such as Kennesaw State.”
Kennesaw State is designated as an R2 research institution by Carnegie standards, with recent achievements including surpassing $50 million in annual research expenditures and awarding more than 70 doctoral degrees each year. The university recently opened a new facility—the Robin and Doug Shore Innovation Center—on its Marietta campus to foster collaboration among experts from various fields.
Faculty at Kennesaw State have reported a significant increase in invention disclosures over two years, indicating more ideas moving toward patents or commercial products. The HatchBridge Incubator at KSU has supported over 250 startups that collectively raised nearly $30 million.
“The dedication of our research community combined with the resources invested by the University signal to the world that Kennesaw State is a serious research destination,” said Karin Scarpinato, executive vice president for research at KSU. “Joining the Georgia Research Alliance is both a recognition of how far Kennesaw State’s research enterprise has advanced and an opportunity to accelerate where we are headed.”
Tim Denning, president and CEO of GRA, welcomed KSU’s membership: “Kennesaw State University has demonstrated a strong commitment to building a robust research ecosystem and translating innovation into meaningful impact,” he said. “We are excited to welcome KSU as a member institution and look forward to collaborating on initiatives that advance discovery, support entrepreneurs, and strengthen Georgia’s innovation economy.”
