Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) for Undergraduate-Focused Institutions (R15 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
The AREA grant supports small-scale research projects at undergraduate-focused institutions with limited NIH funding, aiming to enhance research opportunities for undergraduates.
Funder: National Institutes of Health
Due Dates: May 7, 2025 (AIDS) | June 25, 2025 (New/Renewal/Resubmission) | September 7, 2025 (AIDS) | October 25, 2025 (New/Renewal/Resubmission) | January 7, 2026 (AIDS) | February 25, 2026 (New/Renewal/Resubmission) | May 7, 2026 (AIDS) | June 25, 2026 (New/Renewal/Resubmission) | September 7, 2026 (AIDS) | October 25, 2026 (New/Renewal/Resubmission) | January 7, 2027 (AIDS) | February 25, 2027 (New/Renewal/Resubmission) | May 7, 2027 (AIDS) | June 25, 2027 (New/Renewal/Resubmission) | September 7, 2027 (AIDS) | October 25, 2027 (New/Renewal/Resubmission) | January 7, 2028 (AIDS)
Funding Amounts: Up to $375,000 in direct costs for up to 3 years per award; no cost sharing required.
Summary: Supports small-scale biomedical research projects at undergraduate-focused institutions with limited NIH funding, emphasizing hands-on research experience for undergraduates.
Key Information: Strict eligibility: institution must award baccalaureate science degrees and have ≤$6M/year NIH funding (4 of last 7 years); majority of research team must be undergraduates.
Description
This opportunity supports small-scale biomedical research projects at U.S. undergraduate-focused institutions that have not been major recipients of NIH funding. The program aims to:
- Provide support for meritorious research at eligible institutions.
- Strengthen the research environment at these institutions.
- Offer undergraduate students significant hands-on experience in biomedical research.
Projects must be led by faculty and involve undergraduate students as the primary research team members. The program is not intended for health professional schools or for training/fellowship activities, but rather for research that actively engages undergraduates in all aspects of the scientific process.
