C. KENNETH AND DIANNE WRIGHT CENTER FOR CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH VCU BLOG

Every year on May 20, the global research community observes International Clinical Trials Day, commemorating the date in 1747 when Scottish physician James Lind conducted what is widely recognized as the first controlled clinical trial — a systematic test of scurvy treatments aboard a British naval vessel. This year, the C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright […]

A policy change effective for funding opportunities with due dates on or after May 25, 2026 affects how certain human studies are categorized — and funded. What’s Changing? The NIH has announced that Basic Experimental Studies with Humans (BESH) will no longer be classified as clinical trials. This is a significant shift that affects how […]

The VCU Wright Center’s Collaborative Advanced Research Imaging (CARI) facility is preparing for an exciting leap forward. In January 2026, the CARI MRI scanner will undergo a major upgrade to the Philips MR7700, bringing next-generation imaging technology and expanded research opportunities to the VCU community. The Only Large Bore Research Dedicated MRI Scanner with Access […]

May 20 marks International Clinical Trials Day, a global recognition of the essential role that clinical research plays in advancing medicine and improving lives. At VCU, clinical trials are a powerful force for both discovery and impact–connecting patients with innovative therapies while driving economic growth and public health advancement. In FY2024, VCU secured $506.9 million […]

Clinical trials are the cornerstone of medical innovation, offering hope to patients and driving advancements in treatment. A recent article in Richmond Magazine highlights the pivotal role of clinical research in our region, featuring personal stories of clinical trial participants. These experiences underscore the profound impact these studies can have on individual lives and the […]

At Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), the Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research is dedicated to empowering faculty and research teams with the tools, guidance, and support needed to accelerate scientific discovery and innovation. Whether you’re launching a new study, navigating regulatory requirements, or analyzing complex data, the Wright Center offers a wealth of resources […]

Retrospective research is a cornerstone of advancing medical knowledge, allowing researchers to draw valuable insights from existing data. However, accessing and utilizing this data can be a daunting task, particularly when navigating complex systems like TriNetX, Cosmos, and EPIC. A recent Research Town Hall at VCU, titled “How do I get the data needed for […]

There are a number of populations that experience health disparities based on their economic or social status, geographic location and their environment. Researchers in healthcare and academic institutions continue to work to address these disparities. On June 22, 2022 our second annual research symposium hosted a number of faculty, students, researchers and community members to […]

The Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research announced a new funding program aimed at helping researchers recruit study participants in rural areas. The Rural Pilots Voucher Program offers VCU researchers and investigators at partner institutions the opportunity to apply for a voucher to offset costs related to innovative digital health methods for participant engagement […]

Inflammasomes were discovered in 2002, and almost 20 years later, the number of diseases for which the molecule has treatment implications continues to expand. “It’s amazing how the implications are growing to so many different diseases, whether it’s gout, heart disease, cancer or addiction,” said P. Srirama Rao, Ph.D., VCU’s vice president for research and […]