NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Building Research Capacity at an Historically Black University

Official title: Identifying Needs and Building Research Capacity at an Historically-Black University

Funded at Delaware State University · NIH-11397577 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This grant helps Delaware State University strengthen its biomedical research program to support students and faculty, with a focus on health disparities and inclusive science.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDelaware State University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Dover, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2024
Project endAugust 31, 2027
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$362,774
NIH project number5UC2GM157743-03
Project IDNIH-11397577 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates are students, trainees, and faculty at DSU who are pursuing careers in biomedical research and health disparities.

Less likely to help

Patients may not directly benefit during the grant period if the project focuses on capacity-building activities without immediate clinical trials.

What this research studies

DSU will conduct structured needs assessments to understand current research and organizational capabilities, then create short- and long-term action plans to improve research capacity. A Steering Committee with leaders from across the university will guide the process, including facilities, IT, HR, finance, and deans. The project aims to build pathways for students and researchers at DSU to pursue careers in science and medicine and to contribute to health equity. The work centers on creating a stronger, more inclusive research environment at the university and in the broader community.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, patients and communities could benefit from more robust, diverse biomedical research and improved access to opportunities in science and medicine.

How similar studies have gone: Similar capacity-building efforts at other institutions have shown that targeted needs assessments and strategic planning can improve research output and diversity in STEM fields.

Where this research is happening

  • Delaware State University
    Dover, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Harrington, Melissa a — Delaware State University
  • Study coordinator: Harrington, Melissa a

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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  • Community Engagement & Dissemination Core (CED Core) for Health Equity

    A program at Delaware State University partners with Black communities and health professionals to share research findings in ways that improve health in African American communities.

    NIH research Delaware State University · Dover, United States · NIH-11368473

  • Investigator Development Core for Health Disparities Research

    This grant funds a core that helps researchers from diverse backgrounds study why health disparities exist and how to reduce them, with a focus on COVID-19 impacts and broader infectious and chronic disease outcomes.

    NIH research Delaware State University · Dover, United States · NIH-11368472

  • Capacity-building infrastructure to support patients and researchers

    A center-supported core aims to strengthen research resources at DSU to advance health equity and benefit patients by enabling higher-quality biomedical, behavioral, and translational studies.

    NIH research Delaware State University · Dover, United States · NIH-11368469

  • Role of Social Factors in Mental, Sleep, and Physical Health

    A study at Delaware State University looks at how social conditions influence sleep, mental and physical health, especially in racial/ethnic minority groups.

    NIH research Delaware State University · Dover, United States · NIH-11368465

  • Machine learning imaging biomarkers for diabetes and age-related diseases

    A large, doctor-led project uses AI to analyze medical scans to find imaging patterns that reflect diabetes and aging, aiming to help people understand and manage these conditions better.

    NIH research Delaware State University · Dover, United States · NIH-11368463

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.