Richmond, Kentucky, October 28, 2025
Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) has received a substantial grant from the Kentucky Institutional Development Awards (IDeA) to enhance student involvement in biomedical research. This funding, part of a five-year, $20 million initiative from the National Institutes of Health, aims to support faculty research and mentoring, enabling students to work as research assistants and attend national conferences. The grant will positively impact career paths for many students, particularly first-generation ones, by fostering a deeper engagement in the scientific community and enhancing EKU’s research capabilities.
Richmond, Kentucky
Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) has secured a significant grant to enhance student research opportunities in the biomedical sciences.
The Kentucky Institutional Development Awards (IDeA) Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (KY INBRE) has awarded EKU an annual subcontract from a five-year, $20 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS).
This funding aims to bolster biomedical research capacity by supporting faculty research, mentoring, and student participation in research activities.
Dr. Tanea Reed, EKU’s lead faculty for KY INBRE and chair of the Department of Chemistry, emphasized the grant’s role in providing startup funds for faculty conducting biomedical research and offering competitive funding opportunities for other EKU faculty.
Additionally, the funds will enable faculty to hire students as research assistants and support their attendance at national conferences, fostering a sense of belonging in the scientific community and expanding their professional networks.
Past KY INBRE funding at EKU has led to significant biomedical research studies, including investigations into the effects of cannabidiol on dopamine and cannabinoid receptor signaling, as well as the development of alternative antimicrobial peptides.
Dr. Reed noted that many first-generation students have worked with funded researchers, leading to life-changing career trajectories and a newfound passion for research.
EKU President David McFaddin expressed gratitude for being part of the KY INBRE network, highlighting the positive impact the grant will have on students and faculty in the future.
Since its inception in 2001, the KY INBRE program has generated nearly $98 million for the state, providing research training to over 2,000 students and resulting in more than 200 published articles by affiliated investigators.
Dr. Martha Bickford, principal investigator for KY INBRE, emphasized the program’s role in building biomedical research capacity and supporting faculty and student research across Kentucky.
EKU’s involvement in KY INBRE continues to contribute to the advancement of biomedical research and the development of future scientists in the region.
FAQ
What is the KY INBRE program?
The Kentucky Institutional Development Awards (IDeA) Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (KY INBRE) is a program funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) to enhance biomedical research capacity in Kentucky through support for faculty research, mentoring, and student participation in research activities.
How much funding did EKU receive from the KY INBRE grant?
EKU received an annual subcontract from a five-year, $20 million grant awarded to the KY INBRE program by the NIH NIGMS.
What will the grant funding be used for at EKU?
The grant funding will provide startup funds for EKU faculty conducting biomedical research, offer competitive funding opportunities for other EKU faculty, enable faculty to hire students as research assistants, and support student attendance at national conferences to foster a sense of belonging in the scientific community and expand their professional networks.
What are some examples of past research funded by KY INBRE at EKU?
Past KY INBRE funding at EKU has led to significant biomedical research studies, including investigations into the effects of cannabidiol on dopamine and cannabinoid receptor signaling, as well as the development of alternative antimicrobial peptides.
How has the KY INBRE program impacted students at EKU?
Many first-generation students have worked with funded researchers, leading to life-changing career trajectories and a newfound passion for research.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Grant Amount | Annual subcontract from a five-year, $20 million grant awarded to the KY INBRE program by the NIH NIGMS. |
| Grant Purpose | Enhance biomedical research capacity by supporting faculty research, mentoring, and student participation in research activities. |
| Lead Faculty | Dr. Tanea Reed, EKU’s lead faculty for KY INBRE and chair of the Department of Chemistry. |
| Past Research Examples | Studies on the effects of cannabidiol on dopamine and cannabinoid receptor signaling, and development of alternative antimicrobial peptides. |
| Student Impact | Provided life-changing career trajectories and a newfound passion for research among first-generation students. |
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