Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) for Undergraduate-Focused Institutions (R15 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) | PAR 25 134

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 25 134

The Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) for Undergraduate-Focused Institutions (R15, Clinical Trial Not Allowed) is an NIH grant opportunity designed to strengthen biomedical and behavioral research at colleges and universities that have historically received relatively low levels of NIH funding. The program is intentionally sized for smaller-scale projects, with the dual goal of producing meaningful research outcomes while also building research capacity at the applicant institution. A central emphasis is giving undergraduate students hands-on, mentored research experiences that deepen scientific training, improve preparation for graduate or professional pathways, and help institutions expand or improve their research culture, infrastructure, and mentorship environment.

This opportunity is aimed at U.S. higher-education institutions that award baccalaureate degrees in science and meet an NIH-funding threshold intended to target institutions with limited NIH support. To qualify, an institution must have received no more than $6 million per year in total NIH support (counting both direct costs and F and A/indirect costs) in at least 4 of the last 7 federal fiscal years. For universities made up of multiple schools or colleges, the $6 million cap is calculated using the combined NIH funding received by all non-health professional schools and colleges across the institution as a whole, rather than looking at a single department in isolation. The NOFO points applicants to Part II, Section 3.1 (Eligible Organizations) for the full details and any nuances in how eligibility is applied.

A range of institution types may apply, including public and state-controlled institutions of higher education and private institutions of higher education, as well as other qualifying organizations described in the announcement. The NOFO also highlights that several categories of minority-serving institutions are included among eligible applicants, such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs). While these categories are specifically named, applicants still need to confirm they meet all program requirements, including the degree-granting and NIH-funding criteria. Foreign (non-U.S.) organizations are explicitly not eligible to apply.

In practical terms, applicants should view this R15 as support for a focused research project that can be realistically completed with a modest budget while integrating substantial undergraduate participation. The “Clinical Trial Not Allowed” designation means the project cannot propose a clinical trial, so the work should be framed as non-clinical-trial research consistent with NIH definitions. The award has a stated ceiling of $375,000, and the funding opportunity is issued by the National Institutes of Health under Funding Opportunity Number PAR-25-134. The opportunity is categorized as a discretionary grant, spans multiple NIH-related CFDA numbers (reflecting that many NIH institutes and centers may participate), and lists an original closing date of 2028-01-07, indicating an extended window in which multiple receipt dates may occur under the overarching announcement.

• The National Institutes of Health in the education, environment, food and nutrition, health, income security and social services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) for Undergraduate-Focused Institutions (R15 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.113, 93.121, 93.172, 93.173, 93.213, 93.233, 93.242, 93.273, 93.279, 93.286, 93.310, 93.361, 93.393, 93.394, 93.395, 93.396, 93.399, 93.837, 93.838, 93.839, 93.840, 93.846, 93.847, 93.853, 93.855, 93.859, 93.865, 93.866, 93.867, 93.879.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-12-02.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2028-01-07.
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $375,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, Others.

Apply for PAR 25 134

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