Harvard University has announced a three-year grant of $1.05 million to support the newly formed Association of Historically Black Colleges and Universities Research Institutions, a coalition of 15 HBCUs focused on strengthening research capacity, innovation, and collaboration. The funding is provided through the Harvard & the Legacy of Slavery Initiative and aims to enhance research infrastructure and technical capabilities at participating institutions.
The initiative is designed to help these universities achieve R1 status, the highest research classification under the Carnegie system, which can significantly improve their ability to attract funding, talent, and partnerships. Harvard’s Office of the Vice Provost for Research will play a key role in providing technical support, reinforcing the university’s commitment to building long-term partnerships with HBCUs.
This effort builds on recommendations from a 2022 report calling for deeper engagement between Harvard and HBCUs. The coalition represents a significant share of federally funded research among HBCUs, highlighting their existing strengths while also addressing the need for greater collaboration and shared resources to amplify impact and accelerate discovery.
Leaders involved in the initiative emphasize that the coalition marks a turning point in the HBCU research landscape by bringing institutions together that have historically operated independently. The partnership with Harvard is intended to create a more integrated and forward-looking model for higher education collaboration.
In addition to financial support, Harvard will provide guidance on research administration, compliance systems, and grant management through its internal offices. Activities will include joint events, training opportunities, and knowledge-sharing initiatives to strengthen institutional capacity across the coalition.
The launch of the association took place at Howard University in Washington, D.C., marking the beginning of a broader effort to expand the research mission of HBCUs. The grant is part of a wider set of initiatives by Harvard University aimed at supporting leadership development, digital resource sharing, and research opportunities for students and faculty within HBCU communities.
