The Southern California Institute for Research and Education (SCIRE) is a non-profit institution affiliated with the VA Long Beach Healthcare System in Long Beach, CA.
In 1988 Congressional legislation gave the opportunity for each VA medical center with a research program the option to establish an affiliated non-profit organization. The organization would support the Research program by promoting medical research, education and management of research funds.
The Southern California Institute for Research and Education changed its name on October 2000 to reflect its increased activities in education. It was formerly known as the Long Beach Research Foundation, which was incorporated on January 23, 1989. SCIRE was incorporated under Public Law 100-322, May 20, 1988, amended 38 USC, Chapter 73, Sec. 204, Subchapter VI, paragraph 4161-4168. The law authorizes the establishment of a non-profit corporation at each VA medical center in which a medical research program has been receiving research and education funding.
It works with sponsors and the VA in conducting research to find new and improved ways to combat human disease and to help people with disabilities. SCIRE also works with the VA Employee Education System (EES) and corporate sponsors to provide training opportunities for VA staff, patients and care-givers. SCIRE benefits in many ways from this relationship, but is also subject to certain constraints imposed by the Department of Veterans Affairs and federal statutes.
The research projects administered by SCIRE are actually VA peer-reviewed approved research studies, conducted by VA investigators at the VA Medical Center. SCIRE exists solely to provide the VA Medical Center with a funding mechanism to administer non-VA funded medical research and education.
All research projects must be approved by the Research and Development Committee, which has overall responsibility for all research projects. All research educational activities must be approved by the VA Long Beach Healthcare System Education Committee or the EES.
The organization is governed by a Board of Directors, which includes several members of the medical center’s senior management, research physicians and several community representatives, with an interest in VA patients.
SCIRE can accept donations from private individuals, corporations and from federal employees through the Combined Federal Campaign. The donations may be directed to specific projects, with approval of the Board of Directors.
SCIRE receives study specific funds from National Institutes of Health, private foundations and corporate sponsors and actively pursues grant opportunities.
SCIRE has the responsibility for providing fiduciary oversight of funds from a sponsor in accordance with the conditions or terms of the contribution, agreement, contract or grant. | 
