News 

Glowing lines outlining a brain on a dark background

Why VCU Convergence is built to take on neurodegeneration: Q&A with Faika Zanjani

VCU Convergence unites researchers across disciplines to tackle neurodegeneration through full‑cycle brain health research, emphasizing modifiable risk factors, community partnerships, biomarker innovation, and student involvement, with the goal of improving prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and long‑term quality of life.

presentation slide reading the future of neurodegeneration at VCU

Driven by VCU Convergence, interdisciplinary team takes aim at neurodegeneration

VCU launched an interdisciplinary effort uniting health professions, medicine, nursing, and pharmacy to pursue a major neurodegeneration center grant. The team set summer research plans and a fall reconvening, advancing VCU Convergence’s mission to tackle complex brain‑health challenges collaboratively.

presenters at the neuroscience and davinci design jam

From operating room to innovation sprint: Convergence Neuroscience and da Vinci

VCU’s inaugural Neuroscience Design Jam united clinicians, students, and innovators to turn surgical challenges into early medical‑device concepts, advancing VCU’s Convergence initiative by fostering interdisciplinary problem‑solving, rapid prototyping, and pathways to commercialization through TechTransfer and ongoing Vertically Integrated Project development.

Daniel Gutierrez

Understanding Wicked Problems: A conversation with Daniel Gutierrez

Daniel Gutierrez explains that wicked problems are shifting, interconnected societal issues—like youth mental health—that evolve as solutions are applied. He emphasizes transdisciplinary collaboration, noting that interventions often improve one area while creating new pressures elsewhere.

Milos Manic speaks during panelists session

AI Ready RVA: Power of Possibility Conference highlights VCU and Virginia’s lead

VCU used the AI Ready RVA conference to showcase Virginia’s push for human‑centered AI, highlighting cross‑sector collaboration, ethical innovation, and VCU’s Convergence AI initiative, which aims to translate AI research into community impact, workforce development, and responsible technological progress.

VCU sign with abstract lighting

VCU Convergence seeking proposals to spark transdisciplinary collaboration

Virginia Commonwealth University faculty are invited to apply for new team planning grants designed to catalyze cross-disciplinary collaboration through VCU Convergence. VCU Convergence brings together faculty, students and partners from across the university to address complex societal challenges that cannot be solved by a single discipline. The deadline to submit proposals is April 30, 2026, at 5 p.m. EST

group discussion at the AI Accelerator Workshop

Accelerating AI expertise: How VCU is leading AI through transdisciplinary colla

Faculty, staff and industry experts recently gathered to help shape VCU’s AI future at the Convergence AI Accelerator Workshop. The event explored AI applications across business, data science, education and healthcare. The workshop highlighted the potential for AI to transform multiple sectors while maintaining an ethical and responsible approach.