The Trauma Research and Combat Casualty Care Collaborative (TRC4), part of The University of Texas System, has announced $18 million in new grant awards to support trauma research and product development across several UT institutions.
Kevin P. Eltife, chairman of the UT System Board of Regents, said, “From battlefield innovation to bedside recovery, TRC4’s newest projects demonstrate how the UT System’s research enterprise is accelerating the future of trauma care.”
Dr. James Bynum, TRC4 Executive Director, stated, “Trauma remains the leading cause of death for individuals under the age of 45, so research and innovation in this arena is truly lifesaving. Thanks to the continued support of the UT System Board of Regents and the Texas Legislature, these new grants build on TRC4’s vital work in advancing trauma care for our service members and all Texans.”
This year’s funding covers ten UT entities and includes partnerships with the U.S. Department of Defense. Projects include a collaboration at UT Dallas focused on developing an AI-driven nerve stimulation system for spinal cord injury rehabilitation. UT Southwestern will begin SWATT the FLAME, an initiative targeting improved outcomes for burn patients. Another project led by multiple institutions—UT Health San Antonio, UT San Antonio, UT Tyler, and UT Health Houston—will use statewide data and machine learning to identify emergency response gaps for critically injured patients.
Other funded efforts include surgical robotics at UT Arlington, advanced wound-healing materials at UT El Paso for battlefield use, and a post-doctoral fellowship program at UT Medical Branch aimed at building a future trauma research workforce.
TRC4 was established by The University of Texas System Board of Regents and is based at UT San Antonio. It funds collaborative research between UT institutions and defense agencies to improve trauma care both in military settings and civilian life.
Of 53 total awards granted this year, 49 were competitive grants totaling nearly $15 million while four directed awards amounted to $3 million. Supported projects range from clinical trials to pre-clinical studies as well as proof-of-concept work.
Focus areas for this round include pre-hospital care innovations, new surgical technologies, device development, therapies for trauma patients, clinical techniques improvements, management of trauma registries and information systems, and advanced wound treatment strategies.
Direct award recipients are:
– UT Southwestern: $420,000 for SWATT the FLAME
– UT Medical Branch: $1.08 million for a post-doctoral fellowship program
– UT Dallas: $500,000 for closed-loop vagus nerve stimulation trials
– A consortium led by several institutions: $1 million to address delays in definitive care using AI
Competitive awards went to:
– UT Arlington ($100K)
– UT Austin ($799K)
– UT Dallas ($699K)
– UT Tyler ($499K)
– UT San Antonio ($797K)
– UT Rio Grande Valley ($100K)
– UT El Paso ($396K)
– Medical Branch at Galveston ($3.39M)
– Health San Antonio ($3M)
– Health Houston ($2.65M)
– Southwestern ($2.59M)
More details about these grant-funded projects can be found on TRC4’s website at TRC4.org/Grants-Funded.
