VA named one of the top 10 fastest rising research institutions in North America

WASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs has earned a spot among the top 10 fastest rising research institutions in North America, according to the prestigious Nature Index. VA research has a long history of medical breakthroughs, including the development of the CAT scan, the innovation of the pacemaker, and performing the first-ever liver transplant. Recent research by VA researchers has supported critical initiatives such as the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, women’s health, telehealth, suicide prevention, the PACT Act, President Biden’s Cancer Moonshot, and many others.

In addition to VA ranking as a top research institution, two VA researchers were recently named as the Time100 Health list of influential people in health care for 2024: Ziyad Al-Aly, M.D., a clinical epidemiologist based in St. Louis, and Cynthia Delgado, M.D., a nephrologist at the San Francisco VA Medical Center. Al-Aly was recognized for his extensive research on long COVID. His work has been instrumental in enhancing the global understanding of the long-term effects of COVID-19, which range from severe fatigue and brain fog to increased risks of chronic conditions. Delgado was recognized for her contributions to health equity, including the creation of a revised formula to account for biological differences that impact wait times for kidney transplant patients.

VA Research is a collaborative effort to deliver the best possible care to Veterans by working hand-in-hand with clinicians, academic affiliates, Veteran volunteers, and partners inside and outside of government. VA’s research approach is rooted in anticipating Veteran’s needs and projecting future trends, so VA can continue to deliver world-class clinical care for this nation’s Veterans.

“VA medical breakthroughs over the past century — including pacemakers and liver transplants — are now integral parts of health care for Veterans and all Americans,” said Under Secretary for Health Shereef Elnahal, M.D. “One of the major reasons why VA has proven to be the best health care in America for Veterans is that VA researchers continue to lead the nation in making discoveries that ultimately improve the care we can provide.”

This recognition from Nature and Time comes as VA celebrates its annual Research Week from May 13-17 with a series of special events scheduled at facilities nationwide. Research week includes local events throughout the week at multiple VA facilities, including in Pittsburgh; Houston; Minneapolis; Tucson, Arizona and Loma Linda, California. For more information, visit VA’s Office of Research and Development website.