Resources Available to Trainees for Research Training
The University of Virginia has a long tradition of cooperative interaction among its faculty, students and fellows. There are no barriers to seeking out and receiving whatever help is needed for a research project, and co-mentoring of students and fellows is common. The strong spirit of collegiality creates an ideal environment for the training of students and fellows, as well as young and established faculty.
The study of infectious diseases has traditionally been an area of strength at the University of Virginia. Currently infectious diseases research represent 20% of all School of Medicine extramural research funding. This year Infectious Diseases and International Health was named by the Dean as one of the 10 "Research Themes" of the School of Medicine targeted for expansion and support for the 10 year Strategic Plan. It is also one of 4 central themes of the Department of Medicine strategic plan and a recognized area of expansion within the Department of Microbiology.
Research laboratories of the Infectious Diseases mentors are currently located in Jordan Hall, the MR4 Building and the renovated Old Hospital. A significant expansion of the research space is ongoing, with the completion of the 120,000 sq. foot addition to Jordan Hall in 1995 (that included a 50% increase in the faculty of the basic science departments), the anticipated completion of the 70,000 sq. foot Biomedical Engineering and Medical Science Building in April 2002, and groundbreaking for the 50,000 sq. foot "MR6" research building (dedicated to immunology and infectious diseases) was accomplished in 2004. All of these research buildings are connected by weatherproof walkways and are no more than a 5 minute walk apart.
Although the research needs of trainees are largely met within their mentors laboratories, additional support of their research activities is provided through an extensive series of Centers and Facilities.