Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The University of Iowa received a $465,000 Project Grant award dated December 1, 2026, under the National Science Foundation's Biological Sciences program (CFDA 47.074), administered through the Division of Biological Infrastructure. This Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Site award supports a three-year training initiative (2027-2029) designed to engage 30 undergraduate students, with particular emphasis on recruiting from institutions with limited research opportunities. The program delivers comprehensive research training in evolutionary science through direct mentorship by faculty scientists across seven academic departments, covering specialized topics including evolutionary ecology, behavior, paleontology, genomics, bioinformatics, evolution of infectious disease, and developmental biology. Students receive instruction on research methodologies, ethical and responsible conduct in research, science communication for public audiences, and career exploration in evolutionary science and related fields, with many participants presenting their findings at scientific conferences.

The REU Site produces measurable outcomes including research training for 10 students annually over the three-year period, faculty mentor development through required formal training in mentoring practices, and longitudinal tracking of participant career pathways post-program. The program incorporates assessment mechanisms through online surveys to evaluate effectiveness and aligns with National Science Foundation priorities in artificial intelligence and biotechnology. Students access the program through the NSF Education and Training Application (ETAP) portal and participate in a structured 10-week summer experience that combines discipline-specific research projects with cohort-based interdisciplinary learning activities and formal research presentations based on their individual work.