A vibrant exchange of scientific discovery and potential strategic collaboration took place February 23–24, 2026 at the University of Virginia, as researchers from AstraZeneca met with faculty from across the School of Medicine.
The Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center and the Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research hosted the two-day event, that brought together members of AstraZeneca’s Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM) team, alongside its Respiratory & Immunology (R&I) team — including representatives from the company’s Open Innovation and Corporate Affairs teams— with UVA investigators and leadership from the School of Medicine (SOM) and the Office of the Vice President for Research (VPR).
Strong Institutional Engagement
The meetings reflected deep engagement on both sides. More than 60 UVA faculty laboratories submitted one-page proposals outlining innovative research programs and potential areas for collaboration with AstraZeneca. Following review, 33 labs were selected to present their science and participate in focused discussions about how future collaborations could be structured to accelerate discovery and therapeutic development.
The breadth of science represented underscored UVA’s strengths across cardiovascular, renal, metabolic, respiratory, and immunologic research. Topics ranged from inflammatory drivers of cardiometabolic disease and immune-mediated tissue injury to biomarker discovery, advanced human model systems, translational data science, and novel therapeutic targets.
UVA School of Medicine and Office of Research leadership were in attendance throughout the program, signaling institutional commitment to fostering high-impact academic–industry partnerships and supporting pathways that move discovery from bench to bedside.
Science at the Interface of Disciplines
A recurring theme of the meetings was the growing intersection between immune biology and cardiometabolic disease. Investigators from across the school of medicine highlighted advances in heart failure, vascular biology, thrombosis, and metabolic regulation. Other colleagues presented cutting-edge work in immune signaling, inflammation, host defense, and tissue homeostasis.
AstraZeneca scientists engaged deeply with presenters, exploring how UVA’s mechanistic discoveries could align with the company’s global capabilities in drug development, translational medicine, and clinical trials. The presence of AstraZeneca’s Open Innovation Team created opportunities to discuss flexible partnership models, while Corporate Strategy leaders examined long-term alignment and portfolio integration.
From Dialogue to Discovery
The format emphasized interaction. Following each presentation, robust scientific discussion focused not only on experimental findings but also on practical next steps — from target validation and preclinical modeling to biomarker strategy and patient stratification.
Networking sessions and smaller breakout meetings allowed faculty and AstraZeneca representatives to explore specific collaboration concepts in greater depth. Conversations centered on building sustainable connections designed to generate new discoveries and ultimately improve outcomes for patients worldwide.
With strong participation, engaged institutional leadership, and cross-disciplinary scientific exchange, the February gathering marked an important milestone in strengthening ties between UVA and AstraZeneca. Participants left with a shared sense of momentum — and a commitment to advancing innovative science through collaboration in service of global patient care.