The Office of Sponsored Programs has analyzed the University’s eligibility for the National Institutes for Health (NIH) Research Enhancement Awards (R15) and based on the University’s recent success with receiving consistent NIH funding, we are projected to be ineligible to submit proposals for the NIH R15 program in the next federal fiscal year, starting October 1, 2022.
The NIH R15 Program includes the Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) for Undergraduate-Focused Institutions, and the Research Enhancement Award Program (REAP) for Health Professional Schools and Graduate Schools.
This eligibility determination is contingent on receipt of at least $6 million in select NIH funding for October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022. For the past two fiscal years, we have exceeded $9 million in such funding and thus fully expect to exceed $6 million in the current fiscal year. The analysis of our eligibility has been conducted using NIH public resources and confirmed by NIH program officers.
FAQs for R15 Eligibility, based on NIH provided clarifications:
- I’ve already submitted my R15 proposal. Will I be denied an award if it comes after October 1, 2022?
- No, the eligibility is only for proposal submissions. Awards may come after this deadline.
- Will this prevent no-cost extension of current R15 awards?
- No, current awards will remain in effect and extensions are allowable.
- Will this prevent renewals of current R15 awards?
- Yes, the R15 eligibility will cover new and renewal applications. Renewals of current R15 awards will not be allowed.
- Can we apply in September 2022 for an October 2022 deadline? The submission will come while we are still eligible although the deadline will come after our eligibility expires.
- To the best of our knowledge and interpretation of NIH guidance, our understanding is that Syracuse University remains eligible to apply in September 2022 for an October 2022 deadline. PIs should verify this information with a Program Officer from the Institute or Center to which they are applying.
If you have further questions, please direct questions to Stuart Taub, Director, Office of Sponsored programs at staub@syr.edu.