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Top 35 research institutes in Virginia

Tamtam tracks 35 research institutes headquartered in Virginia. This list ranks all of them by number of employees on LinkedIn, led by University of Virginia, Virginia Tech and Virginia Commonwealth University. Their median headcount is 1,247. Half of them were founded in 1942 or later. The most common headquarters are Charlottesville (4), Fairfax (4) and Richmond (4).

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Virginia35 companiesUpdated Nov 2, 2026
#CompanyIndustryHeadquarters EmployeesFounded
1
University of Virginiavirginia.edu

A renowned institution of higher learning, focused on meeting challenges, promoting access, and preparing citizen-leaders with empathy, integrity, and truth #GreatandGood

Higher Education ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Charlottesville 16,633 1819
2
Virginia Techvt.edu

Comprehensive university offering diverse degree programs, leading research initiatives, and driving technological innovation and economic growth regionally.

Higher Education ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Blacksburg 15,504 1872
3
Virginia Commonwealth Universityvcu.edu

Innovative university focused on excellence, diversity, and research Leading breakthrough work, student startups, and healthcare disparities Empowering graduates to make a global impact

Higher Education ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Richmond 11,797 1838
4
George Mason Universitygmu.edu

Public research university offering over 200 degree programs across multiple campuses, fostering innovation, diversity, and career readiness for students.

Higher Education ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Fairfax 10,741 n/a
5
MITREmitre.org

A non-profit corporation, operating federally funded R&D centers, dedicated to solving national challenges in defense, cybersecurity, healthcare, homeland security, and transportation

Research Services ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ McLean 9,164 1958
6
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)usgs.gov

Provide impartial scientific data on ecosystems, natural hazards, resources, climate impacts, and core systems for timely environmental information.

Research Services ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Reston 7,704 1879
7
Old Dominion Universityodu.edu

Virginia's research university offers rigorous academics, residential community, innovative research, and a wide range of programs for student success and career development

Higher Education ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Norfolk 6,798 n/a
8
The Aerospace Corporationaerospace.org

Providing objective technical expertise and leadership to solve complex space challenges, ensuring mission success for national security and commercial space programs.

Space Research and Technology ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Chantilly 5,274 1960
9
William & Marywm.edu

Higher education institution offering diverse majors, strong STEM focus, faculty-mentored research, career services, and global study opportunities.

Higher Education ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Williamsburg 4,871 1693
10
Federal Reserve Bank of Richmondrichmondfed.org

Support financial system safety, promote stable prices and employment, provide educational resources, and engage with communities in the Fifth District.

Banking ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Richmond 2,196 1915
11
CNA Corporationcna.org

A nonprofit research organization focused on national security, providing actionable solutions to complex problems through data analysis and field programs

Research Services ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Arlington 2,094 1942
12
American Institutes for Researchair.org

A nonprofit research institution providing evidence-based solutions for urgent challenges in education, health, workforce, human services, and international development worldwide

Research Services ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Arlington 2,010 1946
13
Eastern Virginia Medical Schoolodu.edu

An academic health center dedicated to excellence in medical education, research, and patient care with a focus on community orientation

Higher Education ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Norfolk 1,974 1973
14
NASA Langley Research Centernasa.gov

Pioneering aeronautics research center located in Hampton, Virginia, on the Chesapeake Bay, contributing to NASA's aerospace and science advancements

Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Hampton 1,714 1917
15
Institute for Defense Analysesida.org

Provides objective, scientifically rigorous research and advice on national security issues through federally funded research centers with expert staff.

Defense and Space Manufacturing ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Alexandria 1,524 1956
16
Bibliotheca Alexandrinabibalex.org

A center of excellence promoting knowledge dissemination, cultural dialogue, and understanding through digital age innovations, with a focus on Egypt

Libraries ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Alexandria 1,353 2002
17
Noblisnoblis.org

A nonprofit organization providing scientific, technology, and strategy services to government and industry clients in national security, healthcare, and environmental sustainability

IT Services and IT Consulting ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Reston 1,313 1996
18
University of Virginia School of Medicinemed.virginia.edu

The company educates and trains physicians and research scientists to advance medical knowledge, promote equity, diversity, and inclusiveness for healthier lives

Higher Education ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Charlottesville 1,247 1819
19
ATCCatcc.org

A global biological materials resource providing authenticated cell lines, microorganisms, and data for academia, industry, and government research and innovation

Biotechnology Research ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Manassas 904 1925
20
Jefferson Labjlab.org

A national accelerator facility in Virginia, leading research into quarks, gluons, and superconducting technology while advancing data analysis capabilities for research

Research Services ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Newport News 875 1984
21
Riverside Researchriversideresearch.org

A nonprofit organization conducting independent research in various scientific fields to advance innovation and provide high-value solutions to government customers

Research Services ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Fairfax 801 1967
22
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicinemedschool.vcu.edu

Providing transformative medical education for students, compassionate care for patients, and advancing medical research and healthcare practices to improve quality of life

Higher Education ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Richmond 523 1838
23
United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS)unos.org

UNOS powers the national organ donation and transplant system, working to save lives through effective coordination and communication

Hospitals and Health Care ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Richmond 481 1984
24
Office of Naval Researchnre.navy.mil

Leading provider of science and technology for the Department of the Navy, ensuring technological advantage for the Navy and Marine Corps worldwide

Armed Forces ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Arlington 472 1946
25
National Radio Astronomy Observatorynrao.edu

A leading observatory developing cutting-edge radio telescope arrays, impacting astrophysics with facilities in Virginia, New Mexico, and Chile

Research Services ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Charlottesville 471 1957
26
Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicinemedicine.vtc.vt.edu

Innovative medical school and research institute merging Virginia Tech's strengths with Carilion Clinic's expertise to develop physician leaders and advance biomedical science

Higher Education ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Roanoke 440 2008
27
Virginia Institute of Marine Sciencevims.edu

A leading marine research and education center with a mission to conduct research, educate students and citizens, and provide advisory services in coastal ocean and estuarine science

Higher Education ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Gloucester Point 438 1940
28
Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicinevetmed.vt.edu

A leading veterinary college focused on educating students in veterinary medicine, biomedical sciences, and public health, while conducting research and providing clinical services

Higher Education ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Blacksburg 435 1978
29
George Mason University - College of Engineering and Computingcec.gmu.edu

A leading college of engineering and computing with innovative programs, cutting-edge research, and a focus on emerging technologies in Northern Virginia

Higher Education ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Fairfax 379 n/a
30
George Washington's Mount Vernonmountvernon.org

Historic estate maintained by the Mount Vernon Ladiesโ€™ Association, preserving and educating about George Washingtonโ€™s legacy through robust programs and initiatives

Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Mount Vernon 355 1853
31
Virginia Tech College of Engineeringeng.vt.edu

A leading university in engineering education and research, offering a wide range of programs in innovative technology fields with a global impact

Higher Education ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Blacksburg 338 1872
32
George Mason University - Department of Psychologypsychology.gmu.edu

Conducting research in psychology to bridge theory and practice, addressing real-world problems with a focus on impact and innovation

Education Administration Programs ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Fairfax 333 n/a
33
UVA McIntire School of Commercecommerce.virginia.edu

A leading business school offering innovative education, global learning opportunities, research centers, and highly ranked undergraduate and graduate programs in commerce

Higher Education ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Charlottesville 321 1921
34
Virginia Tech Materials Science and Engineeringmse.vt.edu

The company specializes in materials and serves various industries with their expertise

Higher Education ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Blacksburg 15 n/a
35
ODU School of Cybersecurityodu.edu

The company promotes interdisciplinary cybersecurity research and education to advance knowledge and awareness in the field

Higher Education ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Norfolk 6 n/a

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How this list is built

Every company on this list has a Tamtam company profile. The industry is the one the company gives on LinkedIn; categories such as SaaS or fintech are classified by Tamtam's AI from the company's website and LinkedIn page; and the headquarters city must match the company's own address. Companies are ranked by the number of employees on LinkedIn, and the list is refreshed every night. Classifications can be wrong, so treat the list as a starting point rather than an official ranking. Last updated Nov 2, 2026.

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