The Atlanta VAMC has a highly active, major research program in affiliation with Emory University, and is one of the largest in the nation. The program is fortunate to include 1 of the 13 national VA Rehabilitation Research and Development Centers; a major VA HIV Research Program; a Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center; a highly active collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control in various areas including infectious disease and Emerging Infections; and programs which comprise activities related to medical and clinical problems, rehabilitation medical engineering, and health services research.

The research program involves over 600 projects, conducted by more than 140 principal investigators, four of which are prestigious VA Senior Career Scientists, with a total grant funding of more than $28 million from VA and non-VA sources. Projects include studies on the genetics of cancer and diabetes, development of new anti-HIV and anti-hepatitis agents, low vision devices and aids, growth factor interactions in lung development, and bone and mineral endocrinology.