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) to support small-scale research grants at institutions that do not receive substantial funding from the NIH.

The primary goal is to provide biomedical research experiences primarily for undergraduate students and enhance the research environment at these institutions. This NOFO emphasizes investigator-initiated mechanistic and/or minimal risk clinical trials that align with the mission and research interests of participating NIH institutes.

Grant Details
The AREA program aims to support meritorious research at undergraduate-focused institutions, strengthen their research environments, and provide significant biomedical research experiences for undergraduate students.

Eligible institutions must award baccalaureate science degrees and have received no more than $6 million per year in NIH support over 4 of the last 7 fiscal years. The program specifically supports clinical trials that do not require FDA oversight, are not aimed at establishing efficacy, and pose low risks of harm.

The project must involve undergraduate students in various capacities such as experiment design, data collection, analysis, and dissemination of results. The maximum budget request is $375,000 in direct costs for a project period of up to 3 years.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible organizations include accredited public or non-profit private higher education institutions that grant baccalaureate degrees in biomedical sciences. Institutions must not have received more than $6 million in NIH funding over 4 of the last 7 years. Health Professional Schools are not eligible to apply.

Institutions with multiple campuses can apply separately if they have distinct registrations.

Period of Performance
The maximum project period is 3 years, with applications due on specified dates starting from January 25, 2025.

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

Place of Performance
The grant will be performed at eligible undergraduate-focused institutions that meet the specified criteria.