The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) is joining a new national coalition aimed at advancing research and expanding opportunities at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).The Association of HBCU Research Institutions, or AHRI, brings together UMES and 14 other HBCUs to collaborate on research, increase institutional capacity and promote HBCU leadership in tackling societal challenges, according to a community announcement.The coalition is designed to elevate HBCU contributions in interdisciplinary research, expand policy influence and accelerate transformative discoveries. 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, the highest designation for research activity.AHRI is supported by a strategic partnership with the Association of American Universities, where its offices will be co-located, and by a three-year, $1 million grant from Harvard University’s Legacy of Slavery Initiative.
