Portland VA Research Foundation

Brief Description

The Portland VA Research Foundation (PVARF) was originally organized in 1989 and has been in continuous operation since then. It provides professional, administrative, and management support services for medical and health services research. PVARF is a 501c3 corporation, and its mission is to serve the public interest by administering medical and health services research projects and to provide tangible support to research and educational programs of the VA Portland Healthcare System(VAPORHCS). In 2016, PVARF received over 7.4 milling in private support in its mission to help our Veteran community. PVARF has an existing memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the VAPORHCS. Through this MOU, the medical center provides some in-kind support to the Foundation, including (but not limited to):

1. Fully equipped office space, including telephones, fax machines, and other office equipment.
   
2. A secure computer networking system that includes full Internet access and file back-up services.
   
3. Current generation desktop computers that include full support and periodic updating of office productivity software.
   
4. Review of research protocols by the medical center’s institutional review board (IRB).
   
5. Use of the medical center’s electronic mail system for research-related business.
   

This cooperative arrangement enhances PVARF’s work and permits it to be more efficient and effective. However, PVARF is a fully independent corporation and does not require the involvement of any other organization to conduct its work. It has its own employees and enters into contracts and other business arrangements for the efficient conduct of its research activities. The VA Portland Health Care System (VAPORHCS) currently has over 100 investigators and more than 500 active protocols. In fiscal year 2016, VAPORHCS scientists were successful in competing for over $37 million in research grants from the VA, NIH, DOD and other sources. The VAPORHCS ranks 7th among all VAs nationwide in total research funding. Three scientists at the VAPORHCS have received the VA’s highest research honors (Middelton and Magnuson Awards). The VAPORHCS has a track record of training graduate and medical students, postdoctoral fellows and junior faculty members through VA and NIH training grants and career development programs. There are 7 career development recipients currently being trained at the PVAMC.