VCU Research Weeks/SOM Research Town Hall April 16

Dear colleagues,

This is an exciting time to be at the School of Medicine. We are in the middle of our annual “VCU Research Weeks” programming, and there are many opportunities to participate and learn about the great work our school and university are doing in this space.

At SOM, we view research as a platform for innovation and hope. From new therapies for sickle cell disease to establishing a link between cirrhosis and dementia, the work we are doing is advancing medical knowledge and transforming care that resonates well beyond our community. This work is fueled by extremely talented individuals and teams across our school, who last year collectively received $77 million in NIH-sponsored funding, according to the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research rankings – a 7.6% increase over last year. In fact, the $230.9 million in total sponsored research funding brought in by SOM and its affiliates account for nearly half of VCU’s research funding, which ranks among the Top 50 public research universities in the country, according to U.S. News & World Report.

For these reasons and many more, we’re going to convene a VCU/SOM Research Town Hall to discuss the state of our research and our vision for the future. The town hall will take place on Tuesday, April 16th from noon to 1 p.m. and will be held virtually. A panel of distinguished SOM faculty and VCU research leaders will make brief presentations and then take questions. Panelists include: Michael Donnenberg, M.D., Tricia Gibson, M.S. CRA, CCRP, Mike Grotewiel, Ph.D., Marlon Levy, M.D., MBA, Lisa Merck, M.D., F. Gerard Moeller, M.D., Patrick Nana-Sinkam, M.D., Arun Sanyal, M.D., P. Srirama Rao, Ph.D.. No registration is necessary to attend this event, simply join on the date with this link.

I’d also encourage members of our community to check out the many programs being offered as part of the 2024 VCU Research Weeks schedule. The university’s vice president for research and innovation, P. Srirama Rao, Ph.D., will deliver the VCU state of the Research address on Monday April 8 in the University Student Commons. The following week, the 19th Director of the Centers for Disease Control, Rochelle Walensky, M.D., M.P.H., will be in town at the Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA) at VCU to deliver a keynote address, “The Importance of Research at a Public Institution.” Registration is required for both events, as space is very limited.

Please take the opportunity to join us for one or more of these events and learn more about the great work we are doing!

With gratitude,

Arturo P. Saavedra, M.D., Ph.D.
Dean, VCU School of Medicine
Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs, VCU Health System