The Research Collaboration Forum (RCF) is an ongoing initiative designed to build and strengthen research partnerships between Georgia Tech and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), while connecting researchers with industry, federal agencies, national laboratories, and other key partners.

Launched in 2023, the RCF brought together nearly 170 participants from higher education, government, industry, and national laboratories to identify shared research interests, explore federal funding priorities, build research teams, and develop ideas that could be positioned for larger funding opportunities. The Forum included discussions with federal agencies and industry leaders, along with discipline-focused sessions that gave researchers an opportunity to identify areas of alignment and begin developing collaborative projects.

The RCF extends beyond the Forum itself. Through the RCF Seed Grant Program, Georgia Tech and participating partners have provided funding to Georgia Tech-HBCU research teams to advance innovative research, strengthen research capacity, build interdisciplinary teams, and position collaborations for larger external funding opportunities. Seed grant awards have ranged from $10,000 to $50,000 and have supported partnerships involving Georgia Tech researchers and faculty from HBCUs across the country.

Moving forward, the RCF will continue to create opportunities for researchers to connect around emerging research priorities, develop interdisciplinary teams, engage directly with industry and federal partners, and pursue collaborative funding opportunities. Future activities will include research forums, targeted convenings, team-building opportunities, seed funding, and other programming designed to move partnerships from initial conversations to sustained research collaborations. 

The work of the Research Collaboration Forum is made possible through the support of industry sponsors and partners whose investment helps provide resources for seed funding, research collaboration, and the development of long-term partnerships between Georgia Tech and HBCUs.