Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) U54
Funds minority-serving institutions through cooperative agreements that build research capacity and career pathways.
Research Centers in Minority Institutions U54 awards build and sustain research infrastructure at institutions with a historical mission of educating students from groups underrepresented in biomedical research or serving medically underserved communities. The program sits under the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities and is aimed at capacity building rather than a single-project award. It is a cooperative agreement open to U.S. universities and research organizations, with universities allowed and no for-profit participation. Center budgets are capped at $3.5 million in annual direct costs for up to 5 years, and the program competes on a biennial rhythm. The supported research spans basic biomedical, behavioral, population, and clinical work across investigators at different career stages, and the current reissue is RFA-MD-24-012. Strong applications show institutional mission alignment, a pipeline of investigators, and concrete plans to strengthen shared research capacity. Because the award is meant to deepen an existing institutional base, the most competitive proposals usually demonstrate both community relevance and a realistic structure for sustaining the center beyond the award period.
No upcoming rounds verified. Cadence: Biennial.