Research Enhancement Awards (R15) support small-scale research projects at educational institutions that provide baccalaureate or advanced degrees for a significant number of the Nation’s research scientists but that have not been major recipients of NIH support.
The purposes of the program play to areas of UNH strength:
- Support meritorious research
- Expose students to research
- Strengthen the research environment of the institution
R15 grants will support small-scale, new or ongoing projects, including:
- pilot research projects and feasibility studies
- development, testing, and refinement of research techniques
- secondary analysis of available data sets
- similar discrete research projects that demonstrate research capability
R15 projects should include plans to expose undergraduate students to hands-on research
- Support is for up to 3 years and up to $375,000 (direct costs)
- Multiple PIs are allowed
- Preliminary data are not required but are allowed
- Most NIH Institutes and Centers participate - check the NOFOs
Deadlines for R15 applications each year: February 25, June 25, and October 25
There are two R15 programs:
- Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) for Undergraduate-Focused Institutions
- Research Enhancement Award Program (REAP) for Health Professional Schools and Graduate Schools
Proposed research must fall within the mission and interests of a participating NIH institute or center. See NIH R15 Research Areas Listed by NIH Institute for program research topics of particular interest.
UNH Eligibility:
Recent changes in the eligibility requirements for R15s mean that:
» PIs in CHHS should apply to the REAP NOFO
> The current REAP NOFO does not allow clinical trials
> If the planned project meets NIH's definition of a clinical trial, a different activity code
(R01, R03, or R21) will need to be used.
» PIs not in CHHS should apply to whichever AREA NOFO is appropriate
(clinical trial or not)
Key Considerations
- Be sure to use the appropriate NOFO (notice of funding opportunity) for your college and for your project type (clinical trial or not)
- Be sure you meet the principal investigator eligibility requirements
- Your Pre-award Grant and Contract Administrator (GCA) in Sponsored Programs Administration (SPA) will upload the required institutional eligibility letter when assembling the application package
The Research and Large Center Development Office provides NIH- and R15-specific assistance
1) NIH folder In the RD Digital Library
- Standard and/or sample text for R15-specific components of the Facilities and Other Resources section (See “UNH Hints….”)
- Annotated biosketch
- Other resources to help you get to know NIH and its procedures
2) National Institutes of Health (NIH) Specific Requirements & Advice
Lynnette Hentges
Senior Associate
Email: lynnette.hentges@unh.edu
Phone: (603) 862-2002
Caitlin Piette
Senior Associate
Email: caitlin.piette@unh.edu
Phone: (603) 862-2497
Michael Thompson
Director
Email: michael.thompson@unh.edu
Phone: (603) 862-5255
Mark Milutinovich
Executive Director
Email: mark.milutinovich@unh.edu
Phone: (603) 862-5338
Ruth Davis
Program Assistant
Email: ruth.davis@unh.edu
Phone: (603) 862-2410
RLCD Main Office:
303 Thompson Hall
rlcd.info@unh.edu
