Virgin Islands Advancing Biomedical Labs with Excellence (VIABLE)

The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) has completed a 17,000 square foot Biomedical Research Facility designed to advance research addressing the health needs of small island populations. The research agenda focuses on three pillars: 1). Epidemiology, Disease, and Health Insights: Utilizing UVI’s unique Caribbean location, this pillar includes studies of human health influences related to local geographical and ecological conditions, basic biomedical research, pre-clinical studies, and -omics laboratories, and monitoring and analysis to serve as a sentinel for diseases and vectors transiting the region. 2). Data-driven Biomedical Solutions: This pillar leverages AI, digital innovations and data-driven approaches to enhance precision health and wellness among Caribbean, remote, and insular populations, prioritizing innovations for economic development and effective health solutions. 3). Health Resilience and Emergency Medicine: Research incorporates biomedical, clinical, public (including mental) health, community health considerations, and disaster medicine (such as sanitation, energy, logistics, communications, and triage). Emphasis is placed on resilience and hazard mitigation for healthcare systems affected by natural and human-caused disasters, along with violence prevention and health promotion in community and educational settings. UVI is the only higher education institution in the U.S. Virgin Islands, serving a population with elevated rates of cancer, diabetes, communicable diseases, and mental health challenges. The territory is medically underserved, designated a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA), and faces significant health challenges and emerging infectious diseases. Its strategic location enables the facility to support regional health monitoring and contribute to multiple research domains. The proposal strengthens research infrastructure through resilience and hazard prevention planning, supporting sponsored program services for centers, faculty, and students. BRE SPAD initiatives will foster a culture of research, enhance UVI’s productivity, attract external funding, and build leadership in research administration. Project Number: 1UC2GM162926-01 | Fiscal Year: 2025 | NIH Institute/Center: National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) | Principal Investigator: Jatasha Haralson (+1 co-PI) | Institution: UNIVERSITY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, ST. THOMAS, VI | Award Amount: $569,575 | Activity Code: UC2 | Study Section: Special Emphasis Panel[ZRG1 CDB-C (55)] View on NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11289929