UVA Research Retreat 2025: Building Connections, Inspiring Discovery
UVA Research Retreat 2025: Building Connections, Inspiring Discovery
More than 80 faculty, staff, and students gathered at the North Fork Research Park for the 2025 University of Virginia Research Retreat in August. The full-day program brought together stakeholders from across Grounds to reflect on UVA’s research progress, explore opportunities ahead, and strengthen the partnerships that fuel discovery.
The retreat opened with remarks from Lori McMahon, Vice President for Research, Interim Provost Brie Gertler, and Interim President Paul Mahoney. Their remarks offered distinct perspectives on the value of research at UVA, beginning with McMahon’s recognition of the participants’ central role in the University’s success.
“The people in this room are the energy and creativity behind our research enterprise,” she said, encouraging attendees to use the retreat as a space to exchange ideas and shape UVA’s research priorities for the future.
Gertler reflected on how research connects across disciplines. “As a philosopher, I have not been invited to many research gatherings in the past,” she said. “That said, I’ve always appreciated the value of research, and since I agreed to step in as Interim Provost earlier this year, I can honestly say that I have thought about it every day.” She thanked participants for “thinking boldly and creatively, and for the ways you support this important work among your colleagues and graduate students. It matters.”
Mahoney’s personal connection to research dates back to his undergraduate studies in electrical engineering. Although he is trained as a lawyer, Mahoney observed, “part of me still thinks like a scientist.” He acknowledged the turbulence of today’s research climate, especially for federally funded projects, but pointed to the opportunities ahead. Chief among them, he said, is the chance to advocate for the value of research and to show how UVA’s work improves outcomes for people across Virginia, the nation, and the world. Mahoney also emphasized that while new research facilities are critical, “the most essential resource the University has is its people.”
Exploring the Research Landscape
The morning program provided a comprehensive overview of UVA’s research ecosystem. McMahon’s presentation on “The State of UVA Research” outlined recent accomplishments, funding trends, and the strategic initiatives positioning the University for the future. She described how UVA is strengthening its capacity for discovery while navigating a rapidly changing national research environment.
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, particularly federal and leadership uncertainty, McMahon urged researchers to press forward. “We must not be idle and wait for certainty,” she said. “The next move is in our hands.”
Research by the numbers
In FY25 UVA research funding totaled $571 million, with 76 percent of support coming from federal sources. UVA now ranks #53 for federal research funding and #48 overall in research expenditures according to the NSF HERD survey, with the School of Medicine ranked #39 nationally. Proposal activity is at an all-time high, with more than 3,100 proposals submitted in 2025, representing $2.9 billion in potential funding.
Looking ahead, McMahon outlined strategic goals that include reaching $1 billion in annual research by 2030, expanding investments in engineering, AI, and data science, and continuing major infrastructure projects like the Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology, scheduled to open in 2027.
A panel of senior research leaders followed, highlighting updates in research operations, corporate and foundation relations, security, biotechnology, and economic development.
Laura Kozma, Associate Vice President for Research Operations and Executive Director for Sponsored Programs, shared updates on streamlining grants administration.
Kelly Ard, Assistant Vice President for Corporate and Foundation Relations, spoke about building strong partnerships with industry and philanthropy. Mark Esser, inaugural Chief Scientific Officer of the Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology, discussed the institute’s ambitious plans to accelerate medical innovation.
Pace Lochte, Assistant Vice President for Economic Development, highlighted collaborations designed to strengthen the local and state economy.
The next session provided a realistic yet strategic overview of the current research funding climate. Alexis Ehrhardt and Julia Smith, UVA’s Executive Directors for State and Federal Relations, respectively, alongside experts from Lewis-Burke Associates, unpacked the implications of federal and state policy shifts. Speakers emphasized the need for agility, advocacy, and diversification of funding sources �” including industry and philanthropy �” to sustain and grow UVA’s research enterprise.
Spotlighting Future Scholars
In the afternoon, attention shifted to the next generation. UVA students and recent graduates Ariana Sabzevari (Biomedical Sciences), Cori Espelien (Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering), and Juaneisha Finnie (Chemistry) delivered their award-winning “Grad Thesis Slam” presentations. Each presented their dissertation research in just three minutes, with one slide, in language accessible to a broader audience.
Supported by UVA’s PhD Plus program, the session highlighted the University’s commitment to preparing the next generation of researchers to communicate effectively and engage with the public.
Aligning for Impact
As the retreat transitioned from individual research journeys to institutional strategy, the afternoon sessions explored how UVA’s research strengths align with national priorities. Faculty leaders showcased strengths in national security (Phil Potter), nuclear fusion and quantum computing (Fred Epstein), medicine (Jeff Martens), and artificial intelligence (Sandhya Dwarkadas). Highlighting opportunities for UVA to contribute solutions in fields critical to the nation’s future, these speakers illustrated how UVA is leveraging its expertise to address complex societal challenges and shape the future of research.
Participants then joined an interactive activity, “Opportunity Ahead: Aligning UVA Research,” facilitated by Gwen Bouchie, Executive Director of Research Strategy and Communications. In small groups, they discussed emerging areas of collaboration, identified under-recognized assets, and shared strategies for advancing UVA research in a competitive landscape.
The 2025 Research Retreat underscored UVA’s commitment to fostering a vibrant, collaborative, research culture, one that connects disciplines, builds on strengths, and serves society.
By bringing together researchers at every stage of their careers, the retreat reinforced the message that the future of UVA research is not only about discovery, it is about community.