HBCU FACULTY INNOVATION LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE

OVERVIEW

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in partnership with the National Science Foundation (NSF) Historically Black Colleges & Universities Undergraduate Program (HBCU-UP) is launching its inaugural HBCU Faculty Innovation Leadership Institute. The call for applications is now open. The Institute will provide training, research opportunities, grant opportunities, professional development, and resources in innovation-related areas to support and advance HBCU faculty leadership development. The cohort will learn from top stakeholders about topics including:  

  • Tech transfer & R&D commercialization 

  • Developing strategic partnerships & collaborations 

  • Developing innovation-related curriculum 

  • Identifying & applying for innovation-related grants 

The cohort will participate in an eight-month long commitment from October 2025 to June 2026. The sessions will be held synchronously via Zoom on the first Friday of every month from 12 - 1 pm ET.  

The course will culminate with a capstone presentation by the cohort in front of AAAS and NSF leadership at the AAAS Headquarters in Washington, DC (Date TBD) in June 2026.  

 

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

To participate in the Faculty Innovation Leadership Institute, participants must be able to meet the following requirements: 

  • Attend the institute orientation on October 3, 2025, from 12 – 1 pm ET 

  • Attend the monthly webinars scheduled on the first Friday of every month from 12 – 1 pm ET 

  • Review the preparatory articles (pre-work) before each session:  

  • Submit all assignments prior to the following webinar 

  • Practically engage with the cohort  

Failure to adequately engage in the institute will result in termination from the program. 

 

APPLICATION SUBMISSION

The deadline to apply is Friday, September 5th, 11:59 pm ET.