We were proud to celebrate our IIMS Director, Dr. Robert Clark, who was recognized for his outstanding contributions to Veterans Affairs research. Dr. Clark was selected as one of six distinguished investigators honored during the VA’s 100th Anniversary of Research celebration.

This milestone year commemorated a century of groundbreaking medical innovation. The ceremony showcased the extraordinary achievements of VA researchers who have shaped the future of Veteran care. The theme for this year, “100 Years of Research,” honored the researchers and staff whose pioneering efforts led to some of the most significant medical breakthroughs in history—from the invention of the CAT scan and pacemaker to the first liver transplant. These innovations have continued to transform health outcomes for Veterans and the wider public.

The ceremony is available to view on YouTube at the link below. Dr. Clark's recognition begins at approximately 24 minutes into the program.

https://www.youtube.com/live/BJ1KSTIYlng?si=w9ljVA2b3ZcFgm2_

Congratulations to the 2025–2026 IIMS/CTSA Clinical and Translational Science (CTS) Pilot Project Awardees on their outstanding proposals and commitment to advancing translational research. We look forward to seeing the progress and contributions your work will bring to the field and our community.

The Synergy of Community and Educational Partners: Developing a Model for Engaging Underserved Communities
Lisa Kilpela, PhD & Carolyn Becker, PhD

The Emergency Department Obstetrical Readiness Quality Initiative
Katherine Remick, MD & Patrick Ramsey, MD, MSPH

Smartphone-Based Risk Screening and Intervention in Prehospital Settings: A CTS Pilot Study to Overcome Access Barriers
Jeffrey Rollman, PhD(c), MPH, NRP

Unlocking Information in Legacy Medical Records for Research

Mahanaz Syed, MS, PhD & Jannine Cody, PhD

Clinical Translation and Validation of Dried Plasma Spot Cards
Jeremy Tanner, MD, MPH & Tiffany Kautz, PhD

Patient-Centric Approach to Identifying EHR Data Discrepancies: A Feasibility Study
Zhan Wang, PhD & Meredith Zozus, PhD

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to all applicants. The quality of submissions reflect the strength and depth of our research community. 

We’re proud to recognize Vanessa Young, a current PhD candidate in the Translational Sciences program, for her recent publication in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association.

Her article, titled "Long sleep duration, cognitive performance, and the moderating role of depression: A cross-sectional analysis in the Framingham Heart Study," explores how depression may influence the relationship between sleep duration and cognitive function.

Keep up the excellent work, Vanessa!

The Institute for Integration of Medicine & Science (IIMS) is now accepting applications for Translational Technology Resource (TTR) awards to support genetic analyses at the single-cell level and spatial level. The proposed research must have relevance to clinical and/or translational science.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Proposals received on or before the 15th of a given month will be reviewed by the 15th of the following month. 

For more information click here.

Next application deadline is June 15th.