Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience
CURE Awards - Integrating Research into the Classroom
Supporting course-based research experiences at Primarily Undergraduate Institutions and Community & Technical Colleges
Applications Now Open! Submit by May 29, 2026
Previous Course Based Undergraduate Research Awardees
See who has received funding in past years
Funding Opportunity Description
The Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) awards are designed to support the gaining of research experience to be carried out at Primarily Undergraduate Institutions (PUIs) and Community and Technical Colleges (CTCs). This initiative expands research opportunities to include course-based research endeavors for students across the network.
Program Goal: Integrate authentic research experiences into undergraduate courses, allowing students to engage in biomedical research while learning course content.
Why CURE?
Authentic Research
Students engage in real research addressing novel questions in biomedicine
Scalable Impact
Reach 8+ students per course, expanding research opportunities across institutions
Publishable Results
Research outcomes eligible for presentation and publication
Eligibility Requirements
Eligible Applicants
- Faculty at WV-INBRE undergraduate partner institutions
- Faculty at West Virginia community colleges/technical schools
- Minimum 8 students per course required
Not Eligible
- Faculty at lead institutions (MU and WVU)
- Postdoctoral fellows and students
- Major research award recipients
Application Requirements
Required Components
Note: A custom application form will be provided after submission of the Letter of Intent. Research should focus on novel questions in biomedicine with the ability to publish final results considered a plus.
Submission Format: Name file as: Lastname_Firstname_CURE_2026.pdf
Allowable Costs
✓ Allowable Expenses
- Student worker support (fringe benefits allowed)
- Salary support for PI (up to 10% effort)
- Consumable supplies for research activities
- Core facility services
- Publication costs
📋 Important Notes
- Student Participation Required: Minimum 8 students per course
- Indirect Costs: Allowed based on negotiated rate or 15% de minimis
- No-cost extensions not allowed
- Computer purchases not allowed
Travel & Publication Awards
Travel Awards
- Maximum $1,500 per travel award
- Priority for faculty/students presenting CURE research
- Travel must be completed by July 15, 2027
Publication Awards
- Support for publishing in peer-reviewed journals
- Must comply with NIH Public Access Policy
- Must cite WV-INBRE grant P20GM103434
Review Process & Criteria
Review Timeline: Applications will be reviewed by the WV-INBRE Administrative Core with assistance from WVU and Marshall researchers. Awards will be announced in August 2026, pending renewal of the parent award.
Responsibilities of CURE Recipients
Required Activities
- Work with mentor on experimental design and analysis (optional)
- Present research at Summer Research Symposium (encouraged)
- Submit annual progress report with publications and grants
- Document undergraduate student involvement
Acknowledgment Requirements
- Acknowledge core facility support if applicable
- Cite WV-INBRE grant: P20GM103434
- Share results with WV-INBRE community
Program Contacts
Additional Contacts
Scott Levick, PhD (Mentoring): scott.levick@hsc.wvu.edu | 304-293-2418
Piyali Dasgupta, PhD (Student Data): dasgupta@marshall.edu | 304-696-3612
Submission Information
Email complete application as single PDF to:
smhileman@hsc.wvu.eduLetter of Intent Due: March 11, 2026
Application Deadline: May 29, 2026, 11:59 PM
All funds must be expended by July 31, 2027