Clinical Research Foundation

08/23/2026

This weekend, we had the honor of setting up at the Kentucky State Fair. Special thanks to Heather French Henry Foundation for Veterans for the opportunity.

06/27/2026

It’s a damp morning, but celebrating America’s 250 is immune to the weather!

06/26/2026

In a study involving the VA Center for Neurorestoration and Neurotechnology, a man paralyzed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) demonstrated the long-term viability of a brain-computer interface to facilitate communication and independence. Implanted electrodes in the volunteer's brain allowed his brain activity to be translated into speech and computer actions. Over nearly two years, the participant used the device for more than 3,800 hours at home, with no researcher present, to maintain rich interpersonal communication with his family and friends, independently control his personal computer, and sustain full-time employment despite being paralyzed. He was able to communicate at an average rate of 56 words per minute with 92% sentence accuracy. Control of a mouse cursor also allowed him to send text messages and emails and to browse the internet. The results proved brain-computer interfaces have the potential for independent use at home, marking a critical step toward restoring function to paralyzed Veterans. (Nature Medicine, Jun. 15, 2026)

06/25/2026

: New VA program halves su***de risk

In a randomized clinical trial of 207 high-risk suicidal Veterans, led by researchers from the James J. Peters VA Medical Center in the Bronx, those participating in VA's Project Life Force (PLF) had a 51% lower risk of su***de attempts over one year. Furthermore, those who received PLF in addition to their usual care took significantly longer to reach a first actual su***de attempt than those receiving usual care alone. PLF shifted the trajectory of suicidal behavior away from actual attempts and toward aborted or interrupted behavior, meaning Veterans were stopping themselves. Veterans in the PLF group also showed significant improvements in su***de-related coping at three and six months, including better use of outside supports, greater knowledge of emergency resources, and increased willingness to reach out to providers. By six months, internal coping had improved as well, including self-efficacy and the ability to manage crisis from the inside. PLF is a 10-session structured group intervention for Veterans that combines su***de safety planning with training in distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal skills. (JAMA Network Open, May 29, 2026)


https://www.research.va.gov/news_briefs/news_brief.cfm?RecordID=258419

05/11/2026

TODAY!

VA Research Week is coming to the Robley Rex VA Medical Center

🔹 Monday, May 11 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m. | West Entrance (E005)
Kickoff Event – “Celebrating Research”
Over a dozen Veteran- and research-focused organizations will be on site to share resources, answer questions, and celebrate the start of Research Week. Enjoy FREE coffee from Berserker Brew and FREE gifts from the Clinical Research Foundation while you visit our community partners, including Wounded Warrior Project, Dogs Helping Heroes, Dancing Well, Pawsability, VA Whole Health, Veterans Club, Humana Military, the Red Cross, and many more.
Special guests from a Camp Lejeune toxic water advocates group will be here to share their stories—stop by and listen.

05/06/2026

Drop by the Louisville VA next week to check out the festivities of VA Research Week. We KICK-OFF the week with over 20 research and veteran resources vendors. Not to mention free coffee from Berserker Brew Coffee. Make sure to grab your free pollinator flower seeds from the Clinical Research Foundation and GROW WITH US! Make sure you chat with veterans on site from a Camp Lejeune toxic water advocates group.

Wednesday is the VA2K and Red Cross Blood Drive. Walk, Run or Roll in support of homeless veterans. Stop by Berserker Brew for iced athletic coffee and tea. Spin-2-Win with the Clinical Research Foundation to win some free swag!

Friday we close out the week with Refreshments and reflection about research activities at the Louisville VA. Stop by and learn about all open and upcoming clinical research happening at Robley Rex.

Learn more about the event, research or donate at CRFLOUVA.org

11/11/2025

Thank you for your service!

11/07/2025

10/13/2025

Check out Research! Louisville this week at the University of Louisville. We’ll be there spreading the word about research opportunities at Robley Rex VAMC

07/31/2025

Thank you for all that you do Dr. McClain!

For nearly 50 years, Dr. Craig McClain has been a driving force in advancing liver disease research, mentoring future physician-scientists and embracing lifelong learning at every step. His impact extends far beyond the lab or clinic—shaping generations of medical leaders.

Join us in celebrating Dr. McClain’s dedication to discovery, education and innovation: https://ow.ly/umAJ50WwGuz