Overview:
The G.R.A.N.T.E.D. Initiative will support the schools in the AUC and aims to expand the research support and service capacity to reduce barriers.
On Wednesday, Spelman College, in collaboration with Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, and Clark Atlanta University, was awarded a $14 million competitive grant aimed at transforming research support access.
Growing Research Access for Nationally Transformative Equity and Diversity (GRANTED) initiative will support the schools in the Atlanta University Center and aims to expand the research support and service capacity to reduce barriers.
“This $20 million investment through NSF’s GRANTED initiative reflects our commitment to breaking down barriers in research access. By strategically supporting collaborations like the Atlanta University Center, we are committed to creating a transformative hub, setting the standard for equity and diversity in the national research landscape,” said NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan. “These projects underscore our dedication to empowering institutions, fostering inclusivity, and propelling the entire research ecosystem towards greater heights of excellence.”
This collaborative grant is designed to establish a hub in the AUC that promotes equity in the national research ecosystem and serves as a model for other HBCUs around the country.
“The NSF funding will have a significant and long-lasting impact on strengthening the research support infrastructure within the AUC. It will provide the opportunity to advance knowledge and thought leadership and spur innovation and entrepreneurship. It will also enable Spelman and the collaborating AUC institutions to increase their role in the growth of the state’s economy,” said Helene Gayle, Spelman College president.
Unlike traditional funding for scientific research or education, GRANTED focuses on strengthening the research enterprise at institutions and across the nation.
U.S. Congresswoman Nikema Williams, a member of the Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus, added, “I’m a third-generation HBCU alum and I know the power of an HBCU education. That’s why I partnered with Spelman College and the National Science Foundation to deliver a $14 million investment in the Atlanta University Center to expand its world-class research capabilities. These funds will open doors for researchers who have historically faced barriers to their academic success. I will continue to partner with Spelman College, the Atlanta University Center, and HBCUs across the country to set the standard for equity in higher education.”