UD Research Institute restructuring into nonprofit
A new nonprofit subsidiary model will streamline operations and reduce complexity as UD's $280 million research enterprise expands its impact across innovation, federal partnerships and the region’s digital future.
The University of Dayton announced the launch of a strategic restructuring of the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) May 4. Effective July 1, 2027, UDRI will transition into a nonprofit, wholly owned subsidiary of the University.
Under this model, the institute will become its own legal entity but still be 100% owned and overseen by the University. This is a common structure for large-scale research institutes at other major universities. This new structure is designed to streamline business operations, reduce administrative complexity and empower both entities to meet the demands of a rapidly growing research portfolio nearing $280 million in annual revenue.
UDRI has seen externally sponsored research more than triple over the last decade.
"The scale of our research enterprise has reached a tipping point that necessitates a value-added restructuring," said UD president Eric F. Spina. "By establishing UDRI as a non-profit, wholly owned subsidiary, we are removing the administrative complexities that exist when academic systems and federal contracting try to operate as one. This move allows UDRI to operate with the agility of its industry peers while remaining an inseparable part of the UD family and our Catholic, Marianist mission."
The restructuring will support UDRI’s expanding physical and digital footprint, including being the primary driver behind the Digital Transformation Center, which will serve as the anchor tenant of the Think Dayton building — the first commercial structure at the onMain Innovation District.
Photography by Sylvia Stahl.
A version of this article appears in print in the Summer 2026 University of Dayton Magazine, Page 15. EXPLORE THE ISSUE — MORE ONLINE