P20GM156684
Project Grant
Overview
Grant Description
The Maternal and Reproductive Community Health Excellence (MARCH) Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) - Arkansas is ranked worst for maternal mortality and fourth worst for maternal health outcomes.
Arkansas is a rural state, and rural women have a higher rate of maternal mortality compared to urban counterparts.
The goal of Maternal and Reproductive Community Health Excellence (MARCH) Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) Phase 1 is to build the infrastructure to nurture and develop new investigators, thereby creating the critical mass of researchers needed to truly make a difference in maternal and reproductive health for rural communities in Arkansas and other IDEA states.
Our specific aims are:
Aim 1: Build the infrastructure for MARCH COBRE.
MARCH COBRE will be comprised of an administrative core and 2 research cores— a digital health core and a stakeholder/community engagement and dissemination (SUCCEED) core.
We will build upon two areas where we have established a strong foundation and leverage those strengths to develop and support a critical mass of investigators to conduct research focused on addressing maternal and reproductive health.
The SUCCEED core will focus on stakeholder engagement and dissemination, and the digital health core will harness digital resources to support research in rural communities.
Aim 2: Implement a rigorous mentoring and faculty development program for junior faculty (primarily early-stage investigators) focused on maternal and reproductive health.
The mentoring and faculty development program will include: 1) Grants to research project leaders and pilot project investigators; 2) A formal mentoring program; 3) A training program; and 4) Biostatistical and research methods navigation and support.
MARCH COBRE will support well-designed, high-impact research in maternal and reproductive health that is responsive to the needs and context of rural areas with the goal of ensuring that junior investigators transition to independent investigators, as evidenced by securing R01 or equivalent funding.
Arkansas is a rural state, and rural women have a higher rate of maternal mortality compared to urban counterparts.
The goal of Maternal and Reproductive Community Health Excellence (MARCH) Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) Phase 1 is to build the infrastructure to nurture and develop new investigators, thereby creating the critical mass of researchers needed to truly make a difference in maternal and reproductive health for rural communities in Arkansas and other IDEA states.
Our specific aims are:
Aim 1: Build the infrastructure for MARCH COBRE.
MARCH COBRE will be comprised of an administrative core and 2 research cores— a digital health core and a stakeholder/community engagement and dissemination (SUCCEED) core.
We will build upon two areas where we have established a strong foundation and leverage those strengths to develop and support a critical mass of investigators to conduct research focused on addressing maternal and reproductive health.
The SUCCEED core will focus on stakeholder engagement and dissemination, and the digital health core will harness digital resources to support research in rural communities.
Aim 2: Implement a rigorous mentoring and faculty development program for junior faculty (primarily early-stage investigators) focused on maternal and reproductive health.
The mentoring and faculty development program will include: 1) Grants to research project leaders and pilot project investigators; 2) A formal mentoring program; 3) A training program; and 4) Biostatistical and research methods navigation and support.
MARCH COBRE will support well-designed, high-impact research in maternal and reproductive health that is responsive to the needs and context of rural areas with the goal of ensuring that junior investigators transition to independent investigators, as evidenced by securing R01 or equivalent funding.
Funding Goals
NOT APPLICABLE
Grant Program (CFDA)
Place of Performance
Fayetteville,
Arkansas
727031908
United States
Geographic Scope
Single Zip Code
Related Opportunity
Analysis Notes
Amendment Since initial award the total obligations have increased 549% from $750,000 to $4,870,150.
University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences was awarded
MARCH COBRE: Improving Maternal Health in Arkansas
Project Grant P20GM156684
worth $4,870,150
from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in August 2025 with work to be completed primarily in Fayetteville Arkansas United States.
The grant
has a duration of 4 years 9 months and
was awarded through assistance program 93.859 Biomedical Research and Research Training.
The Project Grant was awarded through grant opportunity Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) Phase 1 (P20 - Clinical Trial Optional).
Status
(Ongoing)
Last Modified 6/22/26
Period of Performance
8/12/25
Start Date
5/31/30
End Date
Funding Split
$4.9M
Federal Obligation
$0.0
Non-Federal Obligation
$4.9M
Total Obligated
Activity Timeline
Transaction History
Modifications to P20GM156684
Additional Detail
Award ID FAIN
P20GM156684
SAI Number
P20GM156684-4088245725
Award ID URI
SAI UNAVAILABLE
Awardee Classifications
Public/State Controlled Institution Of Higher Education
Awarding Office
75NS00 NIH National Institute of General Medical Sciences
Funding Office
75NA00 NIH OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR
Awardee UEI
VDFYLZPJEAV6
Awardee CAGE
1QJY4
Performance District
AR-03
Senators
John Boozman
Tom Cotton
Tom Cotton
Modified: 6/22/26