Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) for Undergraduate-Focused Institutions (R15 Clinical Trial Required)

Background
The Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) for Undergraduate-Focused Institutions is issued by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) with the goal of supporting small scale research grants at institutions that do not receive substantial funding from the NIH. The emphasis is on providing biomedical research experiences primarily for undergraduate students and enhancing the research environment at applicant institutions.

Grant Details
This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) supports investigator-initiated mechanistic and/or minimal risk clinical trials addressing the mission and research interests of the participating NIH institutes. The AREA program will enable eligible organizations to receive support for small-scale research projects led by faculty members. The research project must involve undergraduate students, and the research team must be composed primarily of undergraduate students. The NOFO emphasizes the engagement and inclusion of undergraduates in research. The research project should be hypothesis-driven and produce necessary research data/evidence to inform core scientific design, implementation, and issues essential to advance scientific knowledge.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible institutions must award baccalaureate science degrees and have received no more than $6 million dollars per year of NIH support in 4 of the last 7 fiscal years. For institutions composed of multiple schools and colleges, the $6 million funding limit is based on the amount of NIH funding received by all the non-health professional schools and colleges within the institution as a whole.

Period of Performance
The period of performance is up to 3 years.

Grant Value
Applicants may request up to $375,000 in direct costs for the entire project period.