The Arkansas Biosciences Institute (ABI) encompasses collaborative research efforts of five institutions through agricultural and medical research in order to improve the health of Arkansans. The ABI was created as the major research component of the Tobacco Settlement Proceeds Act of 2000 (sometimes referred to as Initiated Act I), which was approved in general election by 64% of Arkansas voters.

Collaborative Research
Scientists from the five member campuses – Arkansas Children’s Hospital: Arkansas State University; the University of Arkansas-Division of Agriculture; the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville; and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences – focus on agriculture and basic and clinical science research that will lead to health improvement, especially in the area of tobacco-related diseases.

This joint venture in science research will strengthen all participating ABI partners by enhancing collaborations in the common research areas of agriculture, bioengineering, tobacco-related illnesses, nutrition and related science, and other complementary fields. The ABI partners will be expected to leverage their research funding to generate additional research dollars from national and philanthropic sources, some of which are only available by conducting collaborative research.