The Sierra Veterans Research & Education Foundation (SVREF) was established in 1989 as a non-profit corporation. Public Law 100.322, which was subsequently codified as 38 US Code Section 73.61 et seq., provided for VAs to establish non-profit research corporations in the state in which the VA is located.
As a flexible funding mechanism for the support of VA research and education programs and activities, SVREF facilitates collaboration between the VASNHCS and educational institutions, other government agencies, private foundations, and industry sponsors.
SVREF strives to provide outstanding support to VA researchers and educators through the development, management, and administration of grants and contracts, personnel services, accounting and other common resources.
The Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) meets every month on the 4th Tuesday from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm to review VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System research. The IBC welcomes the community and public to engage in research.
The Board of Directors, the governing body of the foundation, is specified in law. Statutory members of the Board include the Medical Center Director, Chief of Staff, Associate Chief of Staff for Research, and Director of Education.
The remainder of the Board consists of community members with an interest in promoting the physical and mental health of veterans.
A leading non-profit research corporation for Nevada, SVREF has over 24 years of investment in research and education activities with the VASNHCS. Currently the research program focuses on pulmonology, cardiology, oncology, neurology, and endocrinology. Diagnoses related to these areas are the leading causes of health problems among veterans.
