UVA Launches Research Hubs to Strengthen Collaboration and Accelerate Discovery

Selected from more than 90 proposals, the inaugural hubs connect faculty across disciplines to pursue new research opportunities and expand impact.

The University of Virginia has launched a new set of Research Hubs designed to bring together faculty across disciplines and strengthen collaboration around some of the most promising areas of research at UVA.

Selected through a highly competitive process that drew more than 90 proposals from faculty across the University, the inaugural cohort reflects a wide range of disciplines and methodological approaches. The hubs highlight areas where cross-disciplinary teams are already building momentum and are well positioned to grow their impact.

The Research Hubs are one of several ways the Office of the Vice President for Research supports collaboration across the University, helping faculty communities align their work, deepen connections across schools, and pursue shared opportunities that benefit from coordinated effort.

“UVA Research Hubs are about creating the conditions for great ideas to grow,” said Lori McMahon, vice president for research. “By bringing together researchers with complementary expertise, we are strengthening our ability to compete for major funding opportunities and to address complex challenges that no single discipline can solve alone.”

Each hub is faculty-led and brings together scholars who share common research interests. Through regular engagement, these communities support new partnerships, collaborative grant proposals, and connections with federal agencies, industry partners, and philanthropic organizations.

The hubs span topics ranging from hypersonic technologies and quantum science to health policy, artificial intelligence, energy systems, and community-based research translation, reflecting both UVA’s breadth and its growing strength in cross-disciplinary work.

“The research hubs offer an exciting, innovative, and efficient way to strengthen our research infrastructure by bringing together teams and fostering meaningful connections among scholars across Grounds,” said Catherine Bradshaw, associate dean for research and faculty development at the School of Education and Human Development and co-chair of the Implementation Methods, Partnerships, and Community Translation Hub. “It is truly inspiring to see the remarkable range of topics represented in these multidisciplinary hubs. I believe this initiative will spark dozens of new collaborations and energize researchers from across Grounds as they launch bold and impactful projects.”

While the selected hubs highlight areas where UVA researchers are already building momentum, university leaders emphasize that they are part of a broader research ecosystem that includes all research and community-engaged scholarship at UVA.

Hub membership is open, and faculty at all career stages are encouraged to engage as these communities take shape.

“This first cohort is a starting point,” McMahon said. “We expect the Research Hubs model to continue to evolve as new ideas emerge and new opportunities for collaboration take shape across the University.”

As the hubs launch, the Office of the Vice President for Research will continue to share updates on their goals, activities, and ways for faculty to get involved.

For more information, please visit the Research Hubs page here.