The Carnegie Foundation classifies doctoral-granting institutions based upon the level of research activity conducted at the institution. Among the three possible classifications (doctoral research university, high research activity, or very high research activity), Baylor is an institution with 'high research activity'. At any given time, a variety of research initiatives are in progress across the campus and many are being readied for commercialization.

The BRIC places Baylor scientists and engineers in a collaborative environment enriched by a concentration of research experience and scholarship. Even more important, the BRIC brings these resources within easy grasp of entrepreneurs, businesses and industries whose very survival depends on innovation.

The Baylor Advanced Research Institute (BARI) serves as the entry portal for BRIC clients. BARI director Jim Kephart identifies potential corporate and entrepreneurial partners and matches them with BRIC research, training and business development resources, to support Baylor's vision to move from high research activity to very high research activity.