Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) (U54 - Clinical Trial Optional)

Background
The Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) Program, established by the NIH in 1985, aims to enhance the national capacity for health sciences research by supporting institutions that provide doctorate degrees in health-related fields and have a commitment to educating underrepresented students.

The program focuses on addressing health disparities affecting racial and ethnic minority populations and other underserved communities.

Grant Details
The RCMI Program provides cooperative agreements to eligible institutions with the following primary goals:

(1) Enhance institutional research capacity for conducting basic biomedical, behavioral, population, and clinical research;

(2) Support investigators at recipient institutions in obtaining competitive extramural funding, particularly from NIH;

(3) Foster environments conducive to career development for post-doctoral fellows and early-stage investigators;

(4) Improve tools and conduct of research aimed at enhancing minority health and reducing disparities;

(5) Establish sustainable partnerships with community organizations for research dissemination.

Required components for each RCMI Center include: Overall Administrative Core, Research Capacity Core, Investigator Development Core, Community Engagement Core, and up to three Research Projects focusing on basic biomedical research, behavioral/social science research, or clinical/health services research.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include domestic higher education institutions that award doctorate degrees in health professions or related sciences. Institutions must have received less than $50 million per year or less than $25 million per year of R01 total costs from NIH over the past three years.

Preference is given to Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), and other institutions committed to educating underrepresented students.

Period of Performance
The maximum project period is 5 years. The earliest start date for awarded projects is November 19, 2024.

Grant Value
NIMHD intends to commit up to $29 million in FY 2025 to fund up to six awards. Center budgets are limited to $3.5 million in annual direct costs, with additional funding available for alterations and renovations as well as recruitment costs.

Place of Performance
The grant will be performed at eligible domestic institutions located within the United States and its territories.