"it was an advertised research project the school needed"

Seems likely to be a Fellowship. The 1040 Sched 1 doesn't really expect 1099-NEC, then.

Scholarship and Fellowship grants:

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p970.pdf

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p17.pdf

"Scholarships and fellowship grants are now reported on Schedule 1, line 8r."

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1040gi.pdf

Schedule 1, Line 8: "Line 8r
Scholarship and fellowship grants not reported on Form W-2. Enter the amount of scholarship and fellowship grants not reported on Form W-2. How-ever, if you were a degree candidate, include on line 8r only the amounts you used for expenses other than tuition and course-related expenses. For example, amounts used for room, board, and travel must be reported on line 8r."