The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) was formally established in May 2022 to support transformative, high-risk, high-reward research to drive biomedical and health research innovations. The new agency aims to drive breakthroughs that would provide transformative solutions for all patients.
The Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute (IHSI) aims to lead and coordinate the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s response to ARPA-H. As a first step, IHSI, in partnership with Lewis-Burke Associates, LLC, recently hosted an ARPA-H Information Session. The event attracted researchers from more than 50 departments and nine colleges across campus. Presentation slides and a video recording are available.
The event began with opening remarks from Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation Susan Martinis. “Given our University’s breadth of research excellence, our interdisciplinary culture, and our meaningful and well-established relationships with our clinical partners, I think we’re well-positioned to compete for ARPA-H funding,” said Martinis.
During the event, Eve Granatosky, PhD, from Lewis-Burke Associates, provided an overview of ARPA-H, highlighting potential opportunities for Illinois researchers, and giving advice on what you can be doing now to prepare for future funding opportunities from this agency. The presentation was followed by a panel discussion and Q&A with Illinois researchers experienced in other ARPA mechanisms, like DARPA and IARPA. Prof. Heng Ji, Department of Computer Science, and Patty Jones, Associate Director for Research at the Beckman Institute, discussed how these programs differ from other federal funding agencies and how to build a successful ARPA project.
Connect with IHSI
IHSI will continue to monitor progress and share news about ARPA-H in the coming months, including funding opportunities. Please contact Deborah Miller, assistant director for clinical partnerships, and Maggie Berg, research development manager, to discuss partnership opportunities.
“IHSI is here as a cross-interdisciplinary unit to really aid in promoting and supporting these health science endeavors,” said IHSI Interim Director Stephen Boppart. “And as a resource, please keep us in mind as people think about how we can come together in these new ways.”
Subscribe to the IHSI e-newsletter for monthly updates and notification of upcoming events, including a possible ARPA-H spring workshop. For more information, visit healthinstitute.illinois.edu.