The R40 MCH Research Program supports translational and applied research on critical issues affecting maternal and child health, including services for children with special health care needs.  Research should advance the current knowledge pool, and when implemented in states and communities should result in health and health services improvements.  Findings from the research supported by the MCH Research Program are expected to strengthen and expand topics addressed by the new MCH Block Grant National Performance Priority Areas, and the populations they serve (see Appendix C).  For more background materials on the Block Grant Transformation, see: http://mchb.hrsa.gov/programs/titlevgrants/index.html. The R40 MCHR will support research that addresses MCHB Strategic Research Issues such as how to improve public health systems and infrastructure, reduce health disparities, increase quality of care, and/or promote the health of MCH populations. Addressing at least one of the four MCHB Strategic Research Issues (see Appendix A) is part of Review Criterion 1, Need, and is worth up to 10 points. By supporting research on HRSA/MCHB program populations(1), the R40 MCHR program is strategically tied to HRSA/MCHB investments and programs. The â₏œlife course perspectiveâ₏ is currently being integrated into MCHBâ₏™s strategic directions, and can serve as a helpful frame of reference for study proposals designed to address the critical MCH questions defined by the Bureau. Research projects should demonstrate rigorous scientific methodology. R40 MCHR recipients will complete the following major activities: ·        Recipients will conduct applied research on critical MCH issues; ·        Recipients will disseminate findings through development of at least three peer-reviewed publications and other dissemination activities including conference presentations, newsletter articles, webcasts, fact sheets, infographics, policy briefs and website and social media posts, as appropriate; Recipients will demonstrate a plan to advance the transfer of findings into practice by disseminating findings, reports, and/or award project outputs to key target audiences, including researchers, providers, State Title V and children with special health care needs programs and other program(s) serving HRSA/MCHB populations, policymakers, families and the general public.  Supported research will achieve the aims of the program by generating new knowledge on critical MCH issues that will advance the evidence base and promote the transfer of findings to improve practice.