Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) for Undergraduate-Focused Institutions (R15 Clinical Trial Required)
Supporting small-scale biomedical research grants for undergraduate-focused institutions with limited NIH funding to enhance research experiences primarily for students through AREA program; also seeking investigator-initiated minimal risk clinical trials.
Funder: National Institutes of Health
Due Dates: June 25, 2025 | September 7, 2025 (AIDS) | October 25, 2025 | January 7, 2026 (AIDS) | February 25, 2026 | May 7, 2026 (AIDS) | June 25, 2026 | September 7, 2026 (AIDS) | October 25, 2026 | January 7, 2027 (AIDS) | February 25, 2027 | May 7, 2027 (AIDS) | June 25, 2027 | September 7, 2027 (AIDS) | October 25, 2027 | January 7, 2028 (AIDS)
Funding Amounts: Up to $375,000 in direct costs for up to 3 years per project; no cost sharing required.
Summary: Supports small-scale biomedical research grants at undergraduate-focused institutions with limited NIH funding, emphasizing undergraduate student research experience and minimal risk clinical trials.
Key Information: Eligible institutions must award baccalaureate science degrees and have received ≤$6M/year in NIH support (direct + indirect) in 4 of the last 7 years; clinical trial is required.
Description
This opportunity supports small-scale biomedical research projects at 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 propose a clinical trial (mechanistic and/or minimal risk) that aligns with the mission and research interests of participating NIH institutes. The research team should be composed primarily of undergraduate students, who must be actively involved in the research process.
This is a research grant, not a training or fellowship program; applications should focus on research activities rather than didactic or professional development training.
