Creating an initial partnership to enhance veterans’ health research between the healthcare industry, Department of Veterans Affairs, and VA-Affiliated Nonprofit Research Corporations
WASHINGTON, DC, (MARCH 31, 2021) -- NAVREF hosted a virtual Kick-Off Meeting to officially launch the NAVREF Industry Partner Consortium. This initiative marks a significant step toward achieving NAVREF’s vision of a nation in which Veterans receive the finest care based on innovative research and education.
With the launch of the Consortium, NAVREF brings together bio-medical research industry stakeholders with VA-affiliated Nonprofit Corporations (NPCs) to establish a regular forum for exchanging information, sharing goals, and building relationships that will generate improved collaborations and drive solutions that meet the health needs of Veterans.
As shared by Phil Wellington, Vice President Federal Accounts, Siemens Healthineers, an Industry Founding Member, “The Consortium provides a conduit for deeper, more meaningful discussions with bio-medical leaders in the private sector. This helps us better understand the needs of VA and helps VA better recognize the expertise we can bring to solving challenges.”
The Kick-Off Meeting enjoyed participation from 7 VA-affiliated NPCs and 8 Founding Members including:
Founding Members: NPC’s:
Candel Therapeutics Veterans Medical Research Foundation (San Diego, CA)
Cohen Veterans Bioscience Veterans Health Foundation (Pittsburgh, PA)
Eisai, Inc. Greater LA Veterans Research and Education Foundation
Janssen Chicago Association for Research and Education in Science
Regeneron Dallas VA Research Corporation
Siemens Healthineers USA Cleveland VA Medical Research and Education Foundation
Taiho Oncology, Inc. North Florida Foundation for Research and Education
Tonix Pharmaceuticals
Special guest attendees included the leadership team from the VA’s Office of Research and Development. Chief Research & Development Officer Rachel Ramoni discussed her office’s priorities, accomplishments, and challenges in their efforts to build a VA research enterprise.
“Today was a great start toward our goal of fostering deeper collaboration with industry partners,” stated NAVREEF CEO Rick Starrs. “I thank the Founding Members for taking these first steps with us and look forward to working with them in pursuit of innovative treatments, therapies, devices, and products to help Veterans.”
Formed in 1992, the National Association of Veterans' Research and Education Foundations (NAVREF) is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization of research and education foundations affiliated with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers. These nonprofits, also known as the VA-affiliated nonprofit research and education corporations (NPCs), are authorized by Congress under 38 USC §§7361-7366 to provide flexible funding mechanisms for the conduct of research and education at VA facilities nationwide. More information can be found on our website: www.navref.org
For more information regarding the NAVREF Industry Partner Consortium, please contact Mr. Hawk Tran at consortium@navref.org
Promoting research partnerships to improve veterans’ health