Spelman College-led team awarded $14 million National Science Foundation Grant focused on transforming the Research Enterprise

The collaboration between Spelman College, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, and Clark Atlanta University marks a significant milestone in addressing systemic barriers within the nation’s research enterprise. With a US$14 million grant awarded under the U.S. National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Growing Research Access for Nationally Transformative Equity and Diversity (GRANTED) initiative, these institutions are poised to make substantial strides in fostering inclusivity and propelling the research ecosystem towards greater heights of excellence.

NSF’s GRANTED initiative, which allocated a total of US$20 million across eight institutions, underscores the agency’s commitment to breaking down barriers in research access. The transformative impact of initiatives previously funded by GRANTED, particularly for emerging research and minority-serving institutions, highlights the potential for meaningful change in the research landscape.

NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan emphasized the strategic support for collaborations like the Atlanta University Center, envisioning it as a transformative hub that sets the standard for equity and diversity in national research. This investment reflects NSF’s dedication to empowering institutions and fostering inclusivity, ultimately advancing the entire research ecosystem.