Division of Research & Innovation
SUAPP Launches MARCA Institute to Advance Community-Driven Research in the Mid-South
New interdisciplinary network strengthens partnerships, data infrastructure and applied solutions for Memphis communities
The University of Memphis School of Urban Affairs and Public Policy (SUAPP) has officially
launched the Memphis Applied Research and Community Action (MARCA) Institute, a new
research and training network dedicated to strengthening community-driven problem
solving across the Mid-South. MARCA celebrated its public launch on Thursday, Feb.
19, at Ugly Art Co. in Memphis’ Edge District.
The mission of MARCA is to conduct interdisciplinary, community-engaged research that advances understanding of urban conditions, development and resident well-being throughout the region. The Institute works directly with Memphis communities to collect, analyze and share data that supports local decision-making in interconnected areas such as housing, public health, the environment, neighborhood vitality and youth development.
MARCA brings together faculty from SUAPP and across the University of Memphis, including the Departments of English, Earth Sciences, Sociology and Political Science, as well as the School of Social Work, School of Public Health and other academic units. In addition to advancing applied research, the Institute provides hands-on research training opportunities for students, preparing the next generation of community-oriented professionals. Dr. Katherine Lambert-Pennington, professor and director of School of Urban Affairs, serves as one of MARCA’s faculty leaders.
The public launch follows an extensive pilot phase of the ASK MARCA initiative, developed in partnership with local organizations including the Assisi Foundation of Memphis, Dress for Success, the Center for Transforming Communities, Community Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis and Innovate Memphis, among others. These partners played a key role in shaping the Institute’s early efforts and will continue collaborating on research, training and data-sharing initiatives.
ASK MARCA offers community organizations a direct pathway to connect with the Institute for research and analytical support. Designed as a trust-building entry point, ASK MARCA helps organizations—large and small—access the data and insights needed to inform their work, while laying the groundwork for larger, externally funded collaborative projects.
“MARCA is more than a research institute; it is a mechanism for building durable problem-solving capacity,” Lambert-Pennington said. “Grounded in lived experiences and community priorities, we can produce research meant for action and contribute to the long-term health of civic data infrastructure.”
Further underscoring its momentum, MARCA was recently named a finalist for a William T. Grant Foundation Institutional Challenge Grant in partnership with Knowledge Quest—an achievement that reflects the Institute’s commitment to innovative, community-centered research.
For more information, contact Lambert-Pennington at almbrtpn@memphis.edu.