Spotlight on Our Achievements: Pearl McElfish, Ph.D., MBA, MS, PMP
Pearl McElfish, Ph.D., MBA, MS, PMP, Director of the Institute, has been awarded a nearly $12 million grant through the National Institutes of Health’s Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE). This prestigious grant will establish a cutting-edge research center focused on maternal and reproductive health innovations in Arkansas.
As part of this initiative, the Institute will host a national conference next spring, bringing together leading researchers and thought leaders to advance maternal and reproductive health.
UAMS COBRE Award Featured in Statewide Media:
Recent Awards
Congratulations to our investigators on their competitive awards!
Pear McElfish, Ph.D.
Dr. McElfish received awards from NIH ($1,529,996, Yr 1; 09/01/2025–08/31/2027) and HRSA ($400,000, Yr 1; 09/01/2025–08/31/2028)
Nirvana Manning, M.D.
Dr. Manning received an award from the Health Resources and Services Administration totaling $999,951 (Year 1), covering the period 09/30/2025 – 09/29/2029.
Stephen Foster, M.D.
Dr. Foster received an award from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention totaling $544,420, covering the period 08/30/2025 – 08/29/2030.
Susan Emmett, M.D.
Dr. Emmett received an award from the National Institutes of Health totaling $211,774 (Year 1), covering the period 08/15/2025 – 07/31/2030.
Güneş Koru, Ph.D., FAMIA
Dr. Koru received an award from the National Institutes of Health totaling $49,964 (Year 1), covering the period 09/15/2025 – 06/30/2027.
Biomed Building I Renovation Update
1/5/2026: This week, we are starting the delivery and installation of the cage washers. Last week, we completed the epoxy flooring in the cage wash area, so those rooms are now finished.
We will begin seismic changes this week and continue with priming, painting, and epoxy flooring work over the next few weeks.
Please note: The rooms where epoxy flooring is being installed are vented to the outside. However, because the floors are not fully sealed between stories, you may notice an odor similar to nail polish remover. While the smell may be unusual, we have been assured that there are no adverse health effects associated with this application. The product cures quickly, and any odors dissipate rapidly.
*(The Construction Team)*
If you experience any issues, please contact Paul Browning, Building Manager, at RBrowning2@uams.edu or 501.686.8899
Research News
UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Expands OnCore to Strengthen Clinical Trials
The UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute has fully implemented the Advarra OnCore Clinical Trials Management System, strengthening oversight, efficiency and growth of cancer clinical trials.
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UAMS Sees Improved Diabetes Management Through Food Is Medicine Study with Grocery Deliveries
FAYETTEVILLE — Through a Food Is Medicine intervention delivered in collaboration with food pantries and partners in Northwest Arkansas, researchers at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Institute for Community Health Innovation found improved blood sugar outcomes for nearly 60% of participating adults with diabetes, according to a study published recently in the…
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Researchers Examine Social Determinants of Health Screening Tools Used at Arkansas Health Facilities
A coalition of researchers, led by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, conducted a survey that examined how Arkansas health care facilities screen for and respond to social determinants of health. Social determinants of health are non-medical factors that influence a person’s health, well-being and quality…
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UAMS Postdoctoral Scholars Collect Food for Stocked & Ready
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) theme of “UAMS for UAMS” was front and center during an initiative led by the recently established Office of Postdoctoral Affairs.
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Impact of new federal funding decisions on UAMS research activity
Past Research and Innovation Seminars
Seminar Series on Grantsmanship, Research Administration, Grants Management, and Regulatory Affairs
Click to View Archived Seminars