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NIH Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA)

Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) for Undergraduate-Focused Institutions

Funds a small research project at a college that teaches undergraduates and receives little NIH money, with students doing the research.

OpenNational Institutes of HealthUnited States

National Institutes of Health funding concentrates in a small number of institutions. This award exists for the ones outside that group, and it defines outside with a number.

An eligible institution must award baccalaureate science degrees and must have received no more than $6 million a year of National Institutes of Health support — direct and indirect costs together — in four of the last seven…

Small-scale investigator-initiated mechanistic or minimal-risk clinical trials at institutions awarding baccalaureate science degrees that have received no more than $6 million a year of National Institutes of Health support in four of the last seven fiscal years, providing biomedical research experiences primarily for undergraduate students and enhancing the institution's research environment. A clinical trial is required.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Multiple per year
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.7 Jan 2028
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.26 weeks
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.—
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.—
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.—

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Last verified: 25 Aug 2026Funder reference: PAR-25-148Source: www.grants.gov