Research and Development
Explore VA Houston's research initiatives with specialty programs. You can also volunteer to participate in a research study.
About Research at VA Houston
Research conducted by staff at VA Houston Healthcare System ensures Veterans have access to cutting-edge medical and health care technology. The Research and Development Program (R&D) receives more than $23.7 million annually, to sponsor more than 650 active research projects.
The VA Houston R&D program is an essential part of the medical center’s mission and plays a very important role in the healthcare Veterans receive. The production of new knowledge, techniques and products improves prevention,
diagnosis, treatment and control of the many diseases faced by our Veterans.
The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center R&D Program includes four components:
Health Services Research and Development
Biomedical Laboratory Research and Development
Clinical Science Research and Development
Rehabilitation Research and Development
Collectively, these programs support research engaged in fundamental laboratory investigations, as well as trials for new medications and treatments.
VA research for Veterans
Learn more about VA Houston research and development program for Veterans.
VA research for research professionals
Learn more about conducting research at VA Houston, including required forms and how to apply.
In the spotlight with VA Houston Research
VA Houston Healthcare System has received several large, long-term VA and local awards that reflect the critical mass of scientists who have assembled here in pursuit of important research. There is a Center for Innovations, a Center for Translational Research, and a Center for Mental Health at the Houston VA.
Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety (IQuESt)
The mission of IQuESt is mission is to improve health and well-being through innovations in health care delivery.
Center for Translational Research on Inflammatory Diseases (CTRID)
The mission of CTRID is to foster collaborative research on inflammatory diseases at MEDVAMC aimed at improving the health and well-being of Veterans.
South Central Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC)
The mission of the South Central MIRECC is to promote equity in engagement, access, and quality of mental health care for Veterans facing barriers to care, especially rural Veterans.
Upcoming Events
VA Research Week at Houston VA
May 13-17, 2024
This year's 2024 Research Week is taking place at Houston VA from May 13-17th, and we are excited to celebrate this year's theme, "Building Community Through Research". Houston VA will be hosting several events highlighting our exceptional VA researchers and the incredible work they do for Veterans.
To learn more, please email Research Week Co-Chairs, Eva Plezia Eva.Plezia@va.gov and Abby Loya Abriella.Loya@va.gov.
Past Events
VA Research Week at Houston VA
May 15–19, 2023
Our annual VA Research Week took place in Houston on May 15-19th, 2023, and we celebrated the national theme, "Cutting-Edge Care through Research.” Houston VA hosted several events to honor our exceptional VA researchers and the incredible work they do for Veterans, including the CTRID 10th Anniversary Symposium, Veteran Recruitment Fair, and Veteran Engagement Panel Screening.
View the 2023 Veteran Engagement Panel here. This 1-hour virtual screening offers viewers a chance to hear about the real-world impact of MEDVAMC research on Veterans.