In a landmark move for higher education, 15 leading research-intensive Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have united to form the Association of HBCU Research Institutions (AHRI). Announced on April 29, 2026, this national coalition aims to supercharge research capacity at these institutions, positioning them as key players in addressing America's most pressing challenges—from health disparities to climate solutions and economic development. With only one HBCU currently holding the coveted Carnegie R1 classification for very high research activity, AHRI represents a strategic push to elevate the sector's profile and secure a larger slice of federal funding, which currently stands at less than 1 percent of total awards despite HBCUs producing a quarter of all Black STEM PhDs.

The launch coincides with AHRI's inaugural symposium, "Expanding the Research Mission of HBCUs," bringing together leaders, policymakers, and industry partners to chart a path forward. Collectively, AHRI members account for half of all competitively awarded federal research dollars to HBCUs, underscoring their outsized impact relative to resources. This collaboration promises to transform isolated efforts into a powerful collective force, fostering shared infrastructure, faculty recruitment, and groundbreaking discoveries.

The Imperative Behind HBCU Research Collaboration

Historically Black Colleges and Universities have long punched above their weight in nurturing talent and innovation. Established primarily before the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to serve Black students excluded from mainstream institutions, today's 100-plus HBCUs enroll about 10 percent of Black undergraduates and graduate nearly 25 percent of Black students earning STEM degrees. Yet, systemic underfunding hampers their research ambitions. In fiscal year 2024, all 59 HBCUs with R&D programs spent a combined $929 million, a fraction compared to top R1 universities that individually exceed $1 billion annually.

Federal research and development (R&D) funding to HBCUs hovered at 0.91 percent in FY2023, despite representing 3 percent of four-year institutions. This gap perpetuates infrastructure deficits, limits doctoral production, and slows progress toward Carnegie R1 status—requiring at least $50 million in organizational research expenditures and 70 research doctorates per year. AHRI addresses these barriers head-on, pooling expertise to advocate for equitable funding and collaborative grants.

Founding Members: A Powerhouse of HBCU Research Talent

AHRI's 15 founding members span R1, R2 (high research activity), and emerging leaders, representing diverse regions and disciplines. Howard University, the sole R1 HBCU, anchors the group alongside 13 R2 peers:

• Morgan State University (Board Chair)
• Clark Atlanta University
• Delaware State University
• Florida A&M University
• Hampton University
• Jackson State University
• North Carolina A&T State University
• Prairie View A&M University (Board Vice Chair)
• South Carolina State University
• Southern University
• Tennessee State University
• Texas Southern University
• Virginia State University
• University of Maryland Eastern Shore
• Howard University (Interim President)

These institutions drive innovations in health sciences, agriculture, engineering, and social justice, but silos have limited scale. AHRI changes that equation.

Leadership Driving the Vision

Guiding AHRI is a powerhouse board. Morgan State President David K. Wilson serves as inaugural chair, emphasizing unity: "AHRI represents a decisive step forward—bringing together leading institutions with a unified voice to advance discovery." Prairie View A&M President Tomikia P. LeGrande is vice chair, while Howard's Interim President Wayne A.I. Frederick acts as interim president, noting, "AHRI marks a new chapter... establishing HBCUs as central to the future of research."

Incorporated in June 2023 with administrative support from Howard, AHRI's first board met in October 2023. Strategic ties with the Association of American Universities (AAU) provide co-located offices, amplifying advocacy.

Core Goals: Building Research Infrastructure and Capacity

AHRI's mission centers on five pillars:

• Increase Research Capacity: Shared facilities, joint grant proposals, and interdisciplinary centers to surpass R1 thresholds.
• Strengthen Infrastructure: Modern labs, data systems, and compliance training.
• Expand Funding: Lobby for HBCU-specific allocations; target NIH, NSF, DoD grants.
• Enhance Faculty Recruitment: Competitive packages, mentorship networks to attract top talent.
• Broaden Student Pathways: Undergraduate research, PhD pipelines, industry internships.

By 2030, AHRI aims for multiple new R1 HBCUs, unlocking prestige, enrollment boosts, and billions in funding.

Photo by Arno Senoner on Unsplash

Prestige of R1 Status: Why It Matters

Carnegie R1 designation signals elite research prowess, attracting elite faculty, grad students, and $100M+ annual funding per institution. Benefits include:

Only Howard holds R1; AHRI's collective expenditures approach thresholds when pooled strategically.Learn more on Carnegie criteria.

Harvard's Pivotal Partnership

Harvard's $1.05 million, three-year grant via its Legacy of Slavery Initiative bolsters AHRI. Funds support infrastructure; Harvard's Vice Provost for Research offers grants management expertise, hosting symposiums. VP Sara Naomi Bleich: "We are leveraging our expertise to help further HBCU research excellence." Ruth Simmons, Harvard HBCU adviser: "AHRI offers a powerful model for forward-looking higher education."

This alliance exemplifies elite-PWI support for equity.Harvard Gazette details.

Inaugural Symposium: Catalyzing Momentum

The launch featured AHRI's first symposium in Washington, D.C., drawing leaders to strategize infrastructure and impact. Discussions covered grant strategies, policy advocacy, and cross-HBCU projects in AI-health, sustainable ag, justice tech. Outcomes: roadmap for joint NSF bids, faculty exchanges.

Overcoming Challenges: Funding Disparities and Pathways Forward

HBCUs face chronic underinvestment: deferred maintenance averages $96M per school, research offices understaffed. AHRI counters with bulk procurement, shared PIs. Success stories: Morgan State's cybersecurity hub, FAMU's ag biotech.

Stakeholders hail unity. AAU: "Co-location accelerates advocacy." Policymakers eye HBCU Research Capacity Act for dedicated clearinghouse.

Implications for Students, Faculty, and U.S. Innovation

For students: more undergrad research slots, PhD stipends, industry ties—boosting 90% placement rates. Faculty: collaborative grants reduce admin burden. Nationally: diverse research tackling inequities, e.g. rural health, climate resilience.Morgan State announcement.

Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash

Future Outlook: A Research Renaissance at HBCUs

AHRI positions HBCUs for R1 breakthroughs by 2030, potentially tripling funding. With calls for philanthropy (e.g. Inside Higher Ed coverage), this coalition heralds equity in innovation. Watch for joint centers, policy wins—elevating HBCUs as research powerhouses.