A program to encourage underrepresented interns in VA research and development.
Official title: Veterans Affairs Learning Opportunities in Research (VALOR)
Funded at Veterans Health Administration · NIH-11052898 · Data updated 2026-11-12
The VALOR program is a friendly opportunity for underrepresented individuals, including veterans and their families, to gain hands-on experience in research and development at Veterans Affairs, all while learning and collaborating with others in a supportive environment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Health Administration NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 1I01BX006942-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11052898 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this program include underrepresented individuals, particularly those with disabilities, veterans, and family members of veterans interested in biomedical engineering.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not interested in pursuing a career in research or biomedical engineering may not benefit from this program.
What this research studies
The VALOR program aims to attract underrepresented interns to careers in Veterans Affairs research and development. It focuses on providing a dynamic learning environment where diverse perspectives can converge to address complex challenges in biomedical engineering. Interns will participate in a 10-week program, gaining hands-on experience in VA R&D while also receiving training and educational support. The program emphasizes collaboration and inclusivity, targeting individuals with disabilities, veterans, and their family members.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could enhance career opportunities for underrepresented individuals in biomedical engineering and improve the quality of research addressing veterans' needs.
How similar studies have gone: Previous pilot projects have shown success in attracting underrepresented interns to VA research, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Health Administration
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cooper, Rory a. — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Cooper, Rory a.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.