VA Research Week at Tennessee Valley
By Abby Woodruff, Public Affairs Specialist
At VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, research is transforming the future of Veteran health care. During National Research Week, May 11-15, TVHS proudly recognizes the scientists, clinicians, investigators and Veterans whose dedication continues driving life-changing discoveries and innovations.
Research at TVHS spans more than 150 active projects in specialties including cardiology, oncology, dermatology, nephrology, neurology, infectious disease, pharmacology, diabetes and genetic medicine. These studies give Veterans access to state-of-the-art treatments and emerging therapies while improving care for future generations.
TVHS is one of only 10 VA facilities nationwide leading research related to toxic exposures, including burn pits, Agent Orange and illnesses associated with the PACT Act. These efforts help improve understanding of long-term health impacts related to military service exposures while shaping future treatments and screening approaches for Veterans.
Watch this video to hear more from a TVHS pulmonologist on deployment-related respiratory disease research.
TVHS’ research mission also extends through its Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), which focuses on advancing care, education and research aimed at improving the health and quality of life of older Veterans. Being one of 20 centers, TVHS supports innovative approaches to aging-related conditions while training the next generation of health care professionals specializing in geriatric care.
Learn more about ICU-acquired delirium and dementia research at TVHS here.
One of the facility’s largest research initiatives is its participation in VA’s Million Veteran Program, a national effort studying how genes, lifestyle, military experiences and exposures affect Veteran health. TVHS is one of only two VA sites helping lead genetics-related research for the program. In fiscal year 2025 alone, more than 26,000 Veterans enrolled locally in the initiative.
In fiscal year 2025, TVHS reached a major milestone as researchers submitted a record 55 major research projects to VA’s Office of Research & Development. During the same year, investigators published more than 500 original research articles and journal publications contributing to breakthroughs and advancements in Veteran health care.
As VA Tennessee Valley celebrates National Research Week, the organization remains committed to expanding access to innovative treatments and ensuring Veterans receive world-class care backed by cutting-edge research.
To learn more about research programs at VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, visit VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System Research Program.
Learn more about VA Research Week here.