Science Education Alliance - Howard Hughes Medical Institute
HHMI's SEA program supports US colleges in embedding real genomics and microbiology research, like bacteriophage discovery, into undergraduate STEM courses to broaden early research participation.
Funder: Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Due Dates: October 31, 2026 (Annual application deadline for next academic year)
Funding Amounts: No direct monetary award; HHMI provides faculty training, scientific/technical support, sequencing, and some administrative costs. Institutions cover ~$150–200/student/year for consumables.
Summary: Supports US colleges in embedding authentic genomics and microbiology research, such as bacteriophage discovery, into undergraduate STEM curricula.
Key Information: Open to all not-for-profit US colleges/universities; strong focus on early undergraduates and inclusive participation.
Description
The Science Education Alliance (SEA), led by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), enables not-for-profit US colleges and universities to integrate authentic, course-based research into undergraduate STEM education. Through flagship programs like SEA-PHAGES and SEA-GENES, institutions can embed real microbiology and genomics research—such as bacteriophage isolation, sequencing, and gene function exploration—directly into their introductory biology laboratory courses. The initiative provides hands-on, discovery-driven experiences for first- and second-year undergraduates, aiming to increase persistence in STEM fields and foster a collaborative national network of faculty and students. HHMI supports participating institutions through faculty development, technical and scientific guidance, research resources, and opportunities for students and faculty to present and publish their work.
