The purpose of the CRSRCs at Minority Institutions Program, which was established by the NICHD Reproductive Sciences Branch, was to develop an initiative that would strengthen the research capabilities of faculty, students, and fellows at minority institutions by supporting the development of research that focuses on topics deemed to be of high priority and significance because of their critical importance to reproductive health. The program was initiated in 2001. Minority institutions joined with NICHD under a cooperative agreement mechanism that addressed priority areas of reproductive science, and created collaborative partnerships with established NICHD reproductive science research institutional programs. With cosponsorship from the NIH Office of Research on Women's Health, the National Center for Research Resources, and the National Center for Minority Health and Health Disparities, the NICHD formed a program that would augment the research infrastructure of minority institutions.

The overall focus of the program is to stimulate the development of a competitive research environment in reproductive science at minority institutions. Overall objectives of the CRSRCs include the following: (1) to create professional opportunities for minority investigators; (2) to cultivate an academic and research milieu that would stimulate interest among students and fellows to pursue research careers in reproductive science; and (3) to contribute to providing an environment in research excellence that would increase the competitiveness of minority institutions and investigators for traditional research project grants.

Currently there are three CRSRC institutions: Morehouse School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, and Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. These centers are bringing together strong teams of investigators, around a reproductive science theme, to share essential facilities, services, knowledge, and other resources.

For further information on the CRSRC program, please contact Dr. Estella Parrot.