ABOUT US

WIVR is advancing Veteran healthcare. optimizing your funding. maximizing research impact.

The Western Institute for Veterans Research is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing research that enhances the health and well-being of Veterans.

We work with a variety of public and private funding partners to conduct studies and support programs within the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System.

Advancing Veteran and Public Health Through Innovative Research.

Our Mission

The Western Institute for Veterans Research (WIVR), in partnership with the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System (VASLCHCS), is committed to improving the lives of Veterans and the broader public through cutting-edge research.

We work with a variety of public and private funding partners to improve the health and well-being of Veterans.

About Us.

WIVR supports a wide range of research initiatives—from clinical trials and laboratory-based studies exploring disease mechanisms, to data-driven health services research aimed at enhancing care delivery.

Our researchers hold appointments at the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, and many also hold faculty appointments at the University of Utah which helps to ensure that discoveries translate into real-world impact.

View Our Research

Our Values.

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Our Impact.

36

Years of Research.

Founded in 1989, WIVR, formerly the Western Institute for Biomedical Research, has been committed to delivering meaningful research outcomes for over three decades.

83k

Veterans Supported.

We support the more than 83,000 Veterans that receive care at the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System through clinical trials, educational programs, and services designed to improve health, wellness, and quality of life.

160+

Investigators Supported.

We’ve empowered more than 160 investigators with resources, guidance, and collaboration through our programs. By supporting their work, we help drive innovation and meaningful medical discoveries.

60+

Partners & Sponsors

Through collaborating with our over 60 partners and sponsors, we expand the reach and impact of our research, creating lasting connections that drive mission-focused progress.

Our History

A Legacy of Excellence.

In 1988, Congress passed Public Law 100-322, now codified at Title 38, U.S. Code §§ 7361–7366, authorizing VA medical centers to establish nonprofit research corporations (NPCs). This legislation created a unique public-private partnership model, expanding the VA’s ability to receive private and non-VA public support for research conducted within VA facilities.

The Western Institute for Veterans Research (WIVR), (formerly Western Institute for Biomedical Research (WIBR)) is proud to be one of over 75 active NPCs established under this federal authority.

Founded in 1989, WIVR is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public benefit corporation, incorporated in the State of Utah, and operates in full compliance with state and federal regulations. Our mission is to advance innovative research and education that directly benefits Veterans and enhances the quality of care provided through the VA system.

Located on-site at the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System (VASLCHCS), WIVR exclusively supports research and education activities approved by VASLCHCS.

WIVR was founded to expand research opportunities within the VA Salt Lake City community. In its early years, the institute focused on administering foundation grants, industry-sponsored clinical trials, and select federal awards. These efforts laid the foundation for a scalable infrastructure capable of supporting complex federal research initiatives.

As WIVR continues to grow, we remain committed to fostering collaboration, supporting groundbreaking research, and improving the lives of Veterans through science, innovation, and education.

Supporting Education at VA SLCHCS

WIVR is committed to advancing education and professional development at the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System. Through strategic funding and program support, WIVR helps foster a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and Veteran-centered care.

  • WIVR supports educational activities that empower:

    • Veterans – with resources to improve or maintain health and well-being.

    • Caregivers – through training and support programs.

    • Community Partners – by strengthening collaboration in Veteran care.

    These programs provide meaningful instruction and learning experiences that directly impact the lives of Veterans and those who care for them.

  • WIVR invests in the growth of VA Salt Lake City employees by funding:

    • Continuing education to enhance job performance.

    • Certification and licensure maintenance.

    • Specialized training in emerging technologies and healthcare practices.

    Residency and structured training programs for future healthcare professionals.

  • One of the VA’s core missions is: “To educate for VA and the Nation.”

    In 2024, the VA trained over 122,000 health professions trainees (HPTs) across more than 60 disciplines, making it the largest provider of health professions education in the U.S.

    Key Highlights:

    • Partnerships with 1,450+ academic institutions, including 95% of U.S. medical schools.

    • VA is the second-largest funder of graduate medical education nationwide.

    • In 2024, VA filled 667 psychology internship and 328 postdoctoral residency positions across all 50 states, DC, and Puerto Rico.

    This robust infrastructure ensures future healthcare professionals are equipped to deliver high-quality, Veteran-centered care.

    Learn more at the VA Office of Academic Affiliations.

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Supporting the Advancement of Veteran Research and Education.

WIVR is affiliated with the VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System, proudly serving Veterans in Utah, Idaho, and Nevada.

WIVR is based out of the George E Wahlen VA Medical Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Additional Affiliations:

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As an affiliated Non-profit Corporation with the VA SLCHCS, WIVR supports the VA’s Research mission, which is fourfold:

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Improve Veterans Health and Wellbeing via basic, translational, clinical, health services, and rehabilitative research.

1

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To Apply Scientific Knowledge to develop effective individualized care solutions for Veterans.

2

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Attract, Train, and Retain Investigators of the highest-caliber, and nurture their development as leaders in their fields.

3

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Assure a Culture of Professionalism, collaboration, accountability, and the highest regard for patient safety.

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    Meet Our Board & Staff

    Meet the board and staff of the Western Institute for Veterans Research. Our team brings extensive experience across a range of disciplines, all focused on advancing research to improve the health and well-being of Veterans.

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  • About Us

    Investigator Resources

    Our investigators work across a wide range of disciplines, including cancer research, cardiology, epidemiology, gastroenterology, pharmacotherapy, and more, to facilitate life changing research addressing the unique health challenges faced by Veterans.

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    Our Partners & Sponsors

    We are proud to collaborate with a diverse range of partners and sponsors, including federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, foundations, industry leaders, and academic institutions. Interested in making an impact? Become a partner with WIVR today.

    Learn More