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Students will be presenting their research in a variety of venues during Research Weeks this month. (College of Engineering)

April 2, 2026

Research Weeks to celebrate VCU’s culture of discovery and innovation

The annual event will provide a platform for the university’s student, postdoctoral and faculty researchers, and this year will include VCU and Richmond serving as hosts of the prestigious National Conference on Undergraduate Research.

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By VCU News staff

Virginia Commonwealth University’s Research Weeks 2026 will celebrate the discoveries and breakthroughs of the university’s research enterprise with a robust schedule of showcases, symposiums, speakers, performances, demonstrations and other events and activities throughout the month of April.

The event will put a spotlight on VCU researchers and underscore the groundbreaking discoveries being made at the university. This year’s schedule features the annual State of the Research fireside chat by P. Srirama Rao, Ph.D., vice president for research and innovation; unit and division research days; the introduction of a new awards program for postdoctoral and faculty researchers; a keynote speaker on the topic of artificial intelligence and higher education; and the National Conference on Undergraduate Research, which will bring thousands of undergraduate researchers from around the country to Richmond for three days.

"Research Weeks isn't just a celebration of our institutional milestones and accomplishments; it is a celebration of the relentless curiosity and collaborative spirit of our researchers," said P. Srirama Rao, Ph.D., vice president for research and innovation. "Exceeding half a billion dollars in research expenditures and sponsored funding is proof of our success, but Research Weeks is proof of our purpose — commemorating the researchers and innovators who turn university discovery into a public legacy."

VCU’s total of $524 million in research expenditures for fiscal year 2024 placed it at No. 46 among public universities, according to the annual NSF HERD survey. In addition, VCU ranked in the top 100 for utility patents for the third consecutive year and landed 23 schools and units in the Blue Ridge rankings’ top 50 for NIH funding among public institutions.

For a full schedule of events, visit the VCU Research Weeks website. Highlighted events this year include:

VCU State of the Research fireside chat

Wednesday, April 8, 1 p.m., Room 303 in Cabell Library

Join P. Srirama Rao, Ph.D., vice president for research and innovation, as he highlights the impactful work VCU's researchers are conducting, VCU's research growth over the past year, and offers insights into the strategic direction of future research initiatives. VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D., will open the event with a formal welcome and introductory remarks, setting the stage for this discussion on VCU’s role and trajectory as a premier research institution. The event will be followed by a reception at VCU's Scott House. Registration is free and available here.

National Conference on Undergraduate Research

Monday, April 13 to Wednesday, April 15, Greater Richmond Convention Center

For the first time in its history, VCU will host the annual National Conference on Undergraduate Research, the nation’s largest conference for highlighting undergraduate research excellence. More than 4,000 undergraduate student presenters from across the country will converge at the Greater Richmond Convention Center to showcase their scholarship and creative projects. VCU will have more than 400 undergraduate students presenting at the conference.

Graduate Student Research Symposium

Wednesday, April 22, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Commonwealth Ballrooms in the University Student Commons

The 29th Annual Graduate Research Symposium will bring together graduate students from across the university to share their research with VCU and the local community. Learn more.

VCU Annual Research Impact Awards (VCU-ARIA)

Monday, April 27, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Room 303 in Cabell Library

The VCU-ARIA ceremony and luncheon is a new signature event of VCU Research Weeks dedicated to honoring the exceptional research of our faculty and postdoctoral fellows. This event celebrates innovation and discovery across the following award categories:

  • Postdoctoral Fellow of the Year 
  • Rising Star in: advancing societal well-being; enriching the human experience; optimizing health; supporting sustainable energy and environments
  • Excellence in Research in: advancing societal well-being; enriching the human experience; optimizing health; supporting sustainable energy and environments
  • Eminent Researcher of the Year

 Learn more about the awards and the ceremony celebrating this year’s recipients.

Research Weeks Keynote Address

“Discover, Innovate, Transform: AI’s Role in Reshaping Higher Education and Research”

Wednesday, April 29, 3-5 p.m., Room 1050 in College of Health Professions

In this keynote, Alex Goryachev, an award-winning AI strategist and former innovation leader at Cisco and IBM, will explore how universities are uniquely positioned to lead the transformation associated with artificial intelligence. Drawing on real-world examples and Goryachev's experience advising institutions and enterprises worldwide, he will examine how AI is accelerating research and discovery, redefining the relationship between faculty and technology and creating new demands on institutional strategy. He will also address the ethical responsibilities that come with AI adoption and will offer a practical framework for building cultures that are both innovative and accountable. To learn more and to register, visit here.