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At UVA Health, research is a driving force behind innovation, improved patient outcomes, and the advancement of medicine. Every discovery depends not only on principal investigators and clinicians, but also on the dedicated professionals working across labs, clinical trials, operations, and support functions who make that work possible.

To recognize these critical contributions, UVA Health is proud to announce the opening of nominations for the second annual Hoos Research Champion Awards — an initiative that celebrates the individuals who strengthen and sustain a culture of research excellence across the organization.

Launched through the Spark Innovation Competition, the Hoos Research Champion Awards shine a light on the often behind-the-scenes efforts that enable breakthrough science and high-quality clinical research. Eligible nominees include research lab staff, clinical research coordinators, grants and contracts professionals, core facility staff, and vivarium teams — individuals whose expertise and commitment are essential to advancing UVA Health’s mission.

“Research is foundational to who we are at UVA Health,” said Mitchell H. Rosner, MD, MACP, FRCP, Chief Executive Officer, UVA Health. “These awards recognize the extraordinary individuals whose work makes discovery possible every day. Their contributions not only advance science, but also directly impact the care we provide to our patients and communities.”

Each year, three Hoos Research Champions are selected and honored with a $1,000 prize, an engraved award, and recognition in UVA Health publications.

“Our ability to lead in research depends on the strength and dedication of our entire research workforce,” said Colin P. Derdeyn, MD, Interim Dean of the UVA School of Medicine. “These awards are an opportunity to recognize the individuals who elevate our work through their expertise, teamwork, and commitment to excellence.”

Nominations are open and any employee may submit a nomination. Individuals—rather than teams—are eligible, and nominees must be non-faculty, non-student team members who contribute to or support research.

To nominate a colleague, submit their name, title/department, and a brief statement describing their impact and why they deserve recognition. To nominate, please visit our website.

The deadline for submissions is Friday, May 29, 2026.

By recognizing these champions, UVA Health not only celebrates individual achievement but also reinforces the values that define its research community — collaboration, excellence, and a shared commitment to advancing care through discovery.

For questions about the nomination process, team members may contact Danny Burdine, Director of Research Operations.