WASHINGTON, D.C. — The University of Maryland Eastern Shore is one of 15 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) joined to launch the Association of HBCU Research Institutions (AHRI), a national coalition designed to accelerate world-class research, expand institutional capacity, and elevate HBCU leadership in addressing society’s most pressing challenges.
“AHRI will elevate HBCUs contributions in cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research, expand policy influence, and accelerate transformative discoveries,” an AHRI spokesperson said. “It also aims to increase research capacity, strengthen institutional infrastructure, boost funding, enhance faculty recruitment, and expand student access to research and career pathways.
Member institutions will collaborate to increase the number of HBCUs achieving Research One (R1) Carnegie Classification, which is the highest designation for research activity. AHRI is supported by a strategic partnership with the Association of American Universities (AAU), where its offices will be co-located, and a three-year, $1 million grant from the Harvard University & the Legacy of Slavery (H&LS) Initiative.
“I am honored to stand alongside fellow leaders in the Association of HBCU Research Institutions as we champion a shared vision of excellence, equity, and innovation,” said UMES President Dr. Heidi M. Anderson. “Together, we are not only advancing research, but we are also transforming communities, expanding opportunity, and preparing the next generation of leaders to thrive in an ever-changing world.”
In addition to UMES, AHRI’s members include Clark Atlanta, Delaware State, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical, Hampton, Howard, Jackson State, Morgan State, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State, Prairie View Agricultural and Mechanical, South Carolina State, Southern, Tennessee State, Texas Southern, and Virginia State universities.
AHRI institutions account for half of all competitively awarded federal research funding among HBCUs, and drive solutions in health, science, education, justice reform, and economic development. And with its launch, AHRI continues the call for government, corporate, and philanthropic partners to invest in HBCU research and innovation.
“At UMES, we believe that research is not only about discovery, but also about changing lives,” Dr. Anderson said. “Through our engagement with the AHRI, we are expanding opportunities for our students and faculty, advancing equity through innovation, and shaping a future where HBCUs lead with purpose and impact.”
AHRI’s launch on April 29 coincided with its inaugural research symposium, “Expanding the Research Mission of HBCUs,” convening academic leaders, policymakers, and industry partners to explore strategies to strengthen research infrastructure and expand collective impact.
“AHRI marks a powerful new chapter in the HBCU research landscape, bringing institutions that have too often worked in isolation into sustained collaboration with one another and with the country’s leading research universities,” said Dr. Ruth Simmons, senior adviser to Harvard on engagement with HBCUs and a three-time college president.
Added Harvard Vice Provost for Special Projects Dr. Sara Naomi Bleich: “We are privileged to leverage our expertise in research infrastructure and capacity-building to help strengthen the foundation for HBCU research excellence and support more institutions on the path from R2 to R1 status.”
“The H&LS Initiative’s growing portfolio of partnerships with HBCUs has shown how transformative these collaborations can be for students and faculty,” Dr. Bleich added. “This new partnership with AHRI will build on that success and further expand the opportunities and recognition for premier HBCU research institutions.”
AHRI was incorporated June 14, 2023, and convened its inaugural board meeting four months later on Oct. 18. Howard interim President Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick serves as AHRI interim president. Morgan President Dr. David K. Wilson serves as board chair, and Prairie View President Dr. Tomikia P. LeGrande serves as board vice chair.
