Meredith Cole

For exploring everything from quantum physics to the Arctic, UVA faculty members were recognized for advancing science and understanding.

The fourth annual Research Achievement Awards honored faculty pursuing research in areas that range from Type 1 diabetes to complex networks to the Milky Way.

UVA plans to invest more money and more thought into building better infrastructure to support the University’s ambitious research goals.

Friday’s third annual Research Achievement Awards honored faculty pursuing research in areas that range from nanocrystals to international law to muscle signaling.

University leadership has committed between $20 million and $50 million for research in environmental resilience and neuroscience this academic year. Leaders are seeking research ideas that will “move the needle” in addressing global challenges.

The program provides seed funding for research involving three UVA faculty members – at least two of whom must be from different academic disciplines.

In a difficult year, these researchers stood out – and the University recognized them Friday at an online ceremony.

The projects range from development of biosensors, artificial intelligence for testing, vaccine development, novel treatment options, and better data analytics to predict the spread of the virus.

The proposals selected for funding support improved antibody testing, vaccine development and improving patient outcomes.

The University research community is putting the novel coronavirus and its effects under the microscope.