NCCU Awarded $4.9 Million to Accelerate Path to R2 Research Status

North Carolina Central University (NCCU) has been awarded $4.9 million from the U.S. Department of Education Research and Development Infrastructure Grant Program to expand its research programs, increase opportunities for students and prepare more graduates for careers in biotechnology, biomanufacturing and artificial intelligence.

The 48-month initiative, "NCCU R2-READY: Strengthening Research Infrastructure and Talent Pathways for Sustainable R2 Growth," will accelerate the university's progress toward Carnegie Research 2 (R2) status. R2 universities conduct a high level of research and award at least 20 research doctoral degrees annually.

"NCCU R2-READY will strengthen the infrastructure, faculty capacity and student pathways needed to grow funded research and support advanced-degree completion," said Deepak Kumar, Ph.D., the project's principal investigator and professor of pharmaceutical sciences. "These investments will help faculty build competitive programs, engage students from undergraduate through doctoral study and position NCCU for sustained growth and greater impact."

Jim C. Harper II, Ph.D., interim associate provost and dean of the School of Graduate Studies, and Kevin Williams, Ph.D., director of the Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise and Julius L. Chambers Biomedical/Biotechnology Research Institute, will serve as co-principal investigators.

The grant will support three key areas:

• Modernizing research systems and spaces: NCCU will upgrade shared facilities, technology, data systems and administrative processes to help faculty and students conduct complex research more efficiently.
  
• Helping faculty compete and succeed: Faculty will receive training, mentoring and seed funding to develop ideas, build teams and pursue larger grants.
  
• Strengthening the student-to-scholar pipeline: Undergraduate, master's and doctoral students will receive hands-on research experience, financial support, mentoring and career preparation.

The award includes $360,000 in stipends for doctoral students and $240,000 in assistantships for undergraduate and master's students. Each year, the initiative is expected to support three doctoral fellows, approximately three master's students and six to eight undergraduate researchers.

Students will develop skills in research methods, laboratory work, data analysis, the responsible use of AI and scientific communication. They also will connect with university, government and industry mentors who can help them move from the classroom to graduate study and high-demand careers.

"This award advances NCCU's journey toward R2 research status and reflects the strength of our faculty," said Kuldeep Rawat, Ph.D., vice chancellor for transformative partnership and economic development. "By investing in research infrastructure and creating more opportunities for faculty and students, we are promoting research excellence while preparing the next generation of scientists and innovators. Equally important, this initiative will also deepen industry partnerships and translate research into economic and societal benefits for North Carolina."

NCCU already exceeds the research spending level required for R2 status. The grant will help the university increase doctoral enrollment and graduation rates. NCCU currently offers two research doctoral programs, a Ph.D. in integrated biosciences and an Ed.D. in counseling, counselor education and supervision.

The initiative advances the R2 goal outlined in NCCU's Soaring to New Heights: Vision 2030 strategic plan. It also builds connection with the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, advanced manufacturing and technology sectors in Durham and Research Triangle Park.