Accelerating Research to Improve Health

Dr. Ravi Basavappa, PhD, Senior Advisor, ARPA-H
COL Sarah Goldman, PhD, Director, Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs, US Army Medical Research & Development Command
Dr. Danilo Tagle, PhD, MS, Director, NCATS, NIH
Eric Cole, Client Engagement Director for Civil Health Solutions, Leidos Health Group (moderator)

The panel discussion centered on the pivotal role of research in driving the development, translation, adoption, and delivery of innovative biomedical and health solutions with tangible real-world impact for veterans' health and the wider population. Dr. Ravi Basavappa, Senior Advisor at ARPA-H, shared his extensive expertise in biophysics and experience at NIH, illustrating successful research-driven approaches that have advanced healthcare. He highlighted the importance of strategic coordination and high-risk, high-reward research initiatives in accelerating medical advancements.

COL Sarah Goldman, Director of Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs at the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command, brought a unique perspective on the effective management of medical research initiatives benefiting both military personnel and the broader community. She emphasized the significance of collaborative efforts and congressional support in achieving impactful healthcare outcomes.

Dr. Danilo Tagle, former Director of the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) at NIH, contributed valuable insights into facilitating the translation of research discoveries into practical applications and therapeutic solutions. His experience in genomics-based approaches for brain disorders showcased the potential of research to drive transformative breakthroughs in healthcare.

Eric Cole, Client Engagement Director for Civil Health Solutions at Leidos Health Group, enriched the discussion with his extensive experience in health and IT gained from federal government roles at the National Institutes of Health, Department of Energy, and the United States Air Force. His contribution highlighted the crucial role of technology and data-driven approaches in supporting research and healthcare advancements

Throughout the panel discussion, the panel emphasized the importance of leveraging research as a driving force behind transformative healthcare solutions. They underscored the necessity of collaboration among federal health agencies, the contracting community, and academia, in advancing medical innovation. The session served as a platform to provide the audience with success stories, best practices, and lessons learned from the integration of research into practical healthcare applications for the benefit of veterans and the wider population, and how industry can assist in these endeavors, particularly through RDT&E.