UAB becomes first Alabama member of prestigious Association of American Universities

In a historic Alabama “first,” the University of Alabama at Birmingham has accepted an invitation to join the Association of American Universities (AAU), a prestigious organization of the nation’s leading research universities founded in 1900. Read on to learn more about the AAU and why UAB was chosen.

UAB joins Association of American Universities

Founded more than 125 years ago, the AAU is an organization of leading research universities—71 in the U.S. and 2 in Canada—that transform lives through research, science, innovation and education. As an organization, the AAU’s member universities collectively:

• Help shape policy for higher education, science and innovation
• Promote best practices in undergraduate and graduate education
• Strengthen the contributions of leading research universities to the country

Member universities of the AAU include Vanderbilt, Yale, Johns Hopkins, Princeton, Purdue, Stanford, MIT, Duke, Carnegie Mellon and more, with membership based on an extensive set of quantitative indicators that assess the breadth and quality of a university’s research and education.

The AAU last added members in 2023; this week, the AAU extended an invitation to UAB and Georgetown University to join the organization.

“We are proud to welcome these two outstanding universities to AAU. We look forward to working together with both of them to continue advancing and improving higher education and driving the critical American university research and innovation behind the breakthroughs that strengthen the U.S. economy, lead to new cures and treatments for Americans, help hardworking farmers do better, and help protect our military service members in the field.”

Barbara R. Snyder, President, Association of American Universities

UAB’s admittance into the AAU was based on extensive quantitative indicators evaluating its research, scholarship and education. Since Ray Watts became UAB’s president in 2013, the university’s annual research expenditures have increased from $379 million to more than $915 million.

“UAB has significantly increased its research portfolio in recent years, and President Watts often reminds us that research expenditures don’t just represent dollars — they represent saving and improving more people’s lives. I commend President Watts, his leadership team, and every student, faculty, staff member and supporter who have contributed to UAB’s growing prominence and reputation for research, education excellence and real-world impact.”

Sid J. Trant, Chancellor, University of Alabama System

With more than 37,000 employees across the university and Health System, UAB is Alabama’s largest employer. The university offers more than 180 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, professional and online degree programs and the Health System includes 15 hospitals, including the fifth-largest hospital in the U.S.

“Being asked to join the AAU is an honor that recognizes the great work and results driven by UAB’s talented faculty and staff, the support of our public and private partners, and the unwavering dedication of the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees. I want to thank the AAU Board and Membership Committee for recognizing UAB among the distinguished institutions that compose this prestigious association. We look forward to contributing to the AAU’s important mission.”

Ray L. Watts, M.D., President, University of Alabama at Birmingham