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Office of Research & Development

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Biomedical Laboratory Research and Development

Subburaman Mohan, PhD (right), and research associate Bouchra Edderkaoui, PhD, of the Loma Linda VA examine osteoclast cells as part of their study on a gene that appears to regulate bone density. Subburaman Mohan, PhD (right), and research associate Bouchra Edderkaoui, PhD, of the Loma Linda VA examine osteoclast cells as part of their study on a gene that appears to regulate bone density.

Biomedical Laboratory Research and Development (BLRD) supports and conducts preclinical research to understand life processes from the molecular, genomic, and physiological levels for the purpose of advancing science and the understanding of how diseases affect Veterans. This is accomplished by exploring biological or physiological principles in humans or animals through intramural funding mechanisms and career development programs that support talented individual researchers who are working in areas of particular importance to improving the well-being of our nation's Veterans. BLRD supported research includes pre-clinical models and investigations of tissues, blood or other biologic specimens from humans. It supports tissue banking, and the development of substantial medical databases through national voluntary research studies such as the Million Veteran Program (MVP), an innovative genomics study that partners with Veterans receiving care through the VA Healthcare System to determine the impact genes may have on health.

BLRD advances science to empower Veterans to improve their well-being through the trusted relationships it has built and continues to develop among innovative and creative scientists, medical professionals, and a wide range of medical research stakeholders. It is a self-renewing organization that provides seamless and integrated support to attract extraordinary talent in an effort to advance science through an uncompromising commitment to quality, creativity, diversity, productivity, and efficiency.

See also

Research on Post-COVID-19 Conditions and Other Long-Term Outcomes of COVID-19 Infection

This Program Announcement is intended to summarize the funding mechanisms available to eligible VA scientists for research related to post COVID-19 conditions as defined by the World Health Organization and describes the specific priorities for each ORD research service...Learn more

Eligibility Clarification

Since 2006, BLRD service has required all non-clinicians to obtain eligibility through a peer-review process prior to submitting applications for merit award funding...Learn more

Bridge Funding for Clinician Investigators

BLRD announces pilot program to allow clinician investigators to retain staff, continue progress, during lapses in VA funding.

See the program announcement for more information.



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Any health information on this website is strictly for informational purposes and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any condition.