The Department of Health and Human Services is seeking to stimulate research at undergraduate-focused institutions through the Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) for institutions with limited prior NIH funding. This funding opportunity specifically targets institutions that grant baccalaureate degrees in biomedical sciences and have received no more than $6 million per year in NIH support during four of the last seven years. The AREA program aims to enhance the research environment at these institutions, provide undergraduate students with hands-on biomedical research experience, and support small-scale clinical trials that pose minimal risk. Eligible institutions can request up to $375,000 over three years. Applications must propose a clinical trial, focusing on low-risk interventions that do not require FDA oversight. The submission process emphasizes compliance with established application protocols, including registration with Grants.gov and adherence to specific guidelines for research involving human subjects. The overarching goal of this initiative is to foster a diverse research workforce and encourage undergraduate students to pursue careers in biomedical research. By supporting small-scale, investigator-initiated research, the AREA program seeks to strengthen the ability of undergraduate-focused institutions to contribute meaningfully to scientific innovation and advances in public health.