"The research that's being done is relating to analyzing the genetic makeup of viruses and looking at how genetic variations affect the transmissions," she said.
With this groundwork, Laping said researchers hope to discover the cells HIV attacks and then develop a prototype vaccine.
Laping said the institute's history of conducting successful research helped convince the foundation to donate the money.
Dr. Max Essex, chair of the institute, was at the cutting edge in the discovery of HIV as the cause of AIDS.
Researchers at the institute were responsible for discovering that blood transfusions could transmit HIV and helped develop accurate AIDS blood tests.
Colby College President William Cotter, chair of the Oak Foundation advisory board, could not be reached for comment yesterday.