Our Pursuit is Endless

The University of Virginia’s unending pursuit to improve lives in the United States and across the globe continues to redefine what is scientifically possible. UVA scholars and researchers explore new avenues to better understand and address society’s most pressing challenges. As one of the nation’s leading research institutions, UVA prioritizes interdisciplinary collaboration and invests in the infrastructure and resources that transform ideas into innovations and life-changing treatments.

Precision Medicine and Health

From developing medical devices to making discoveries that save lives worldwide, UVA researchers are shaping the future through precision medicine.

A UVA team co-invented an artificial pancreas to treat children and adults with Type 1 diabetes. UVA researchers found that tuberculosis is the leading cause of sepsis in patients in Eastern Africa , a discovery that changed the course of treatment and is saving thousands of lives. Researchers are also expanding the use of focused ultrasound as a precise, incision-free method to treat cancer, neurological disorders and other serious diseases. As the first in Virginia to offer histotripsy, UVA Health uses focused ultrasound to destroy liver tumors, often in a single session with minimal recovery time.

Dedicated to one of the fastest-growing fields in medicine, the UVA Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology , scheduled to open in 2027, will expand the University’s ability to develop, test and deliver new treatments and medical innovations at unprecedented rates.

Brain and Neurosciences

There is no greater mystery than the human brain. Greater understanding brings the possibility of treating neurological diseases and improving care for patients with conditions affected by a decline in memory, movement and cognition.

UVA researchers discovered and mapped the brain’s lymphatic system, reshaping scientific knowledge of brain function and disease. Their work has helped advance incision-free treatments for Parkinson’s disease, allowing some patients to find relief from tremors within minutes and with lasting results. UVA researchers have also accelerated progress toward treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and pioneered promising new approaches to treating life-threatening brain lesions using focused ultrasound.

Democracy

UVA’s Karsh Institute of Democracy brings together scholars from across disciplines to study democratic institutions, civic engagement and public policy, turning research into practical solutions aimed at protecting and strengthening democracy.

The institute’s initiatives include the Civic Cornerstone Fellowship, which promotes constructive political conversations; a statewide study examining how information is distributed through Virginia journalism and its connection to democracy; and Democracy360 , an annual event that gathers thousands of scholars, practitioners and community members for public discussions, educational programming and civic engagement opportunities.

Digital Technology and Society

In the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence and digital technology, UVA works toward responsible development and ethical use. At the LaCross Institute for Ethical Artificial Intelligence in Business , researchers examine how digital technologies shape behavior, learning and wellbeing, generating insights that inform public policy, education, healthcare and democratic engagement.

UVA integrates data science and artificial intelligence into medical research through collaboration among the University’s School of Data Science, School of Medicine and School of Engineering and Applied Science. This helps researchers use data to improve clinical outcomes and find new treatments among existing FDA-approved medicines and therapies. The Digital Technology for Democracy Lab conducts research to evaluate how rapidly evolving technologies can advance and hinder society, democratic institutions and practices. This is a digital world, and UVA is fully engaged in it.

Environmental Resilience

Researchers at the UVA Environmental Institute are strengthening Virginia and global communities by protecting natural resources and creating achievable plans to prepare for climate-related emergencies.

Using artificial intelligence, researchers are improving evacuation planning, storm response and flood prevention to prepare for and recover from natural disasters. UVA researchers also use AI to help communities in Southern Africa increase crop yields, build resilience to climate change and improve food security.

Half the world’s population lives on coasts where the effects of climate change will be felt most. UVA is responsible for the world’s largest seagrass restoration project , which contributes to efforts to revitalize coastal ecosystems and reduce carbon emissions.

By pursuing research at the highest level, UVA is expanding its capacity to effect positive change. By refusing to stop, we are fulfilling our purpose: to serve.

The University of Virginia’s animating purpose is to serve society. Helping others is an outward expression of values lived on Grounds, where personal integrity meets public service. In recognition of its accomplishments, the University earned the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, a national designation for civic responsibility and being a good neighbor.

UVA’s culture of service begins with its students.

How students serve

The ways students serve the public are as varied as the Hoos on Grounds. They tutor local elementary and middle school children. They support causes like the annual student-run Pancakes for Parkinson’s fundraiser. They work in community gardens to help families facing food insecurity. They volunteer for organizations working for justice.

Thousands of UVA students volunteer each year through Madison House , providing services estimated to be worth $1.6 million at over 90 sites in the Charlottesville/Albemarle area. But it’s impossible to place a dollar amount on the humanity of programs like Adopt-a-Grandparent, aimed at relieving elderly people’s feelings of isolation, or the Walking Bus, for which UVA students walk young children to school.

What our students take away from their service commitments is as significant as the difference they make in their community. Engaging with the world to make it better is central to the UVA experience.

How the University serves

Given all UVA does for the commonwealth, it could be called the University for Virginia.

The University provides a world-class education for exceptional students. Combined with industry-leading financial aid , UVA creates the opportunity of a lifetime for students and their families. Then there are outreach programs that open doors for our neighbors, such as UVA’s Pipelines & Pathways for job creation and paid training and Starr Hill Pathways to serve local youth and expand their sense of their own potential.

UVA Health directly improves quality of life in our community, serving nearly 1.5 million patients each year. As the top hospital in Virginia, UVA Health’s University Medical Center is known for advanced, compassionate care. Just as important are the ways UVA Health brings services to the people , from mobile health units that expand access to “pop-up,” volunteer-run clinics offering free dental, vision and medical treatments to uninsured patients. UVA Health is here to serve all Virginians.

Inspiring a profound belief in the future

UVA is an economic engine for the Commonwealth, contributing $11.9 billion annually. It’s also the largest employer in the region, responsible for more than 67,000 jobs. The University is an incubator for new ventures, launching 55 startups over the past decade. A healthy economy offers solutions to daily challenges while providing optimism about the future.

UVA researchers develop breakthroughs. Focused ultrasound treats patients with soundwaves instead of incisions. The world’s first artificial pancreas manages Type 1 diabetes using AI. The world’s largest seagrass restoration project is helping UVA researchers understand climate change in coastal communities and how to address it.

The UVA Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology , scheduled to open in 2027, will create a biotech hub, attract investment and accelerate the discovery and distribution of new medicines. The institute will take innovation from labs to patients, giving hope to millions who suffer from chronic diseases.

It’s hard to think of Virginia and its prospects without the contributions of the University of Virginia, where we believe true leaders serve others.

Our pursuit is endless

Society will always have needs. UVA’s important work is never done. Fulfilling its mission keeps the University relevant and vital as it enters its third century of service.