Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation

Veterans Health Administration, Decatur PA

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

The mission of the Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation (CVNR) is to improve health and quality of life in Veterans with visual and cognitive disorders by engaging an alliance of researchers and clinicians to advance evidence-based rehabilitation. For the past 35 years, CVNR research has dynamically advanced, following emerging science through a primary focus on aging (1986 – 1998), vision/aging (1998-2012), and visual and cognition (2012-present). CVNR capacity nearly doubled in this funding cycle. We aim to expand the impact of VA science and VA research investment (currently, more than 18-fold return on Center dollars compared to VA and other grants received). Over 30% of CVNR scientists are full Professors at Tier 1 institutions. In addition, the CVNR is rapidly building research capacity with 25% of CVNR members career development awardees (CDAs). Former CDA researchers from 2018- present continued in academic positions, >90% in the VA. The CVNR has three strategic research themes: Restoring eye and brain function, Exercise to improve function, and Neuro-biomarkers for personalized rehabilitation. The synergy of visual and cognitive rehabilitation science across the strategic research themes reveals common core principles for use across neurorehabilitation and supports CVNR investigators to rapidly define elements that are necessary to build personalized Veteran rehabilitation. Aligned with the VA Research Mission, the three CVNR strategic research themes span the translational continuum from preclinical, clinical research, and clinical practice research. In this cycle, through intentional activities that promote the investigators at all career development levels within the strategic research themes, the CVNR will analyze the progress of scientific projects and plan how to advance the research findings to real-life utilization in VA clinics. By setting goals and milestones in translation and implementation, and integrating self-evaluation and quality control, the CVNR will build upon past success and continuously increase the impact on Veteran clinical services, as well as the direct response to Veteran and caregiver needs. CVNR Executive Director A.M. Barrett, MD, who brought research treatments developed in her laboratory to current use in VA healthcare, takes responsibility with Executive Associate Director, Machelle Pardue, PhD to lead alignment of strategic planning and operational decision-making. Director of Scientific Programs, Joe Nocera, PhD, has an expanded role in this cycle to lead scientific project development in the three strategic research themes through meetings, retreats and self-evaluation. Five Cores provide services to investigators and steward resources: Neuroimaging (Director, Bruce Crosson, PhD); Molecular Biology (Director, Jeff Boatright, PhD); Physical Exercise (Director, Joe Nocera, PhD); and an Administrative Core, (Director and CVNR Administrator Officer, Lisa Calas). The Connectivity Core (Director, Amy Rodriguez, PhD) has been added in this cycle to advance Veteran and VA clinician engagement, link the CVNR to VA clinical service lines, provide a broad path for Veteran research participation, and integrate the continued, impactful work of the Outreach and Education Committee (Co-Chairs, Madeleine Hackney, PhD and Todd White, PhD). The CVNR has strong ties with local affiliates, including Emory University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Morehouse School of Medicine, and Georgia State University. Capacity building is strengthened by collaborating with the Atlanta VA /Morehouse School of Medicine Historic Black Colleges and Universities Research Scientist Training Program, integrating feedback and advice of our Atlanta Advisory Board and National Advisory Board, and aligning with the network of specialized scientists at VA RRD Centers, the VA Birmingham-Atlanta GRECC, the VA HEROIC HSRD Center for Innovation (Charleston, SC), and the VA Technology Transfer Office (ATL Technology Transfer Officer, Brandy Wade, PhD), as well as Veterans, other consumer groups, and the community. The CVNR is poised to continue impactful research to improve Veteran health.