AHA Institutional Research Enhancement Award (AIREA)

The AHA Institutional Research Enhancement Award, or AIREA, is the American Heart Association's institutional research mechanism for small cardiovascular and brain health projects at U.S. nonprofit colleges, universities, and medical schools. It is designed for institutions that meet NIH AREA/REAP eligibility and have not been major recipients of NIH research support. The award provides $200,000 over two years, with $100,000 a year including 10% indirect costs. ProposalCentral opens in mid-May and the deadline falls on September 10, with awards starting on January 1. The principal investigator must already be beyond fellowship training, hold a primary appointment at an eligible institution, and have no concurrent active NIH research grant when the award activates. The best fit is a compact study with real institutional support, a credible research environment, and a scope that can be delivered cleanly within two years. Successful applicants usually show that students will be exposed to the work and that the budget matches a modest project rather than a broad program.

Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.