NIH recently announced major changes to the R15 program that will affect the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and the UT Institute of Agriculture (which NIH considers one institution). NIH has split the R15 into two programs: the Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) for Undergraduate-Focused Institutions, and the Research Enhancement Award Program (REAP) for Health Professional Schools and Graduate Schools.
The Office of Research and Engagement has evaluated the eligibility criteria and has concluded the following:
- UT and UTIA are eligible for AREA. This includes active solicitations PAR-18-714 and PAR-19-133.
- UT and UTIA are not eligible for REAP. This includes active solicitations PAR-19-134 and PAR-19-135.
The R15 program’s purpose is to stimulate research in educational institutions, like UT, that provide baccalaureate and advanced degrees in biomedical fields, but that have not been major recipients of NIH support. R15 awards are intended to support small-scale research projects proposed by faculty members, to expose undergraduate and graduate students to meritorious research projects, and to strengthen the research environment of the applicant institution.