We exist as an arm's-length organization. We were set up intentionally as such through the contribution agreement. That means they give us our funding and outline the pillars or main functions of how we work, research being one of them.
At the same time, there is a distance in that they aren't directing exactly what we study, which allows us to look at the gaps in the research and, importantly, to consult with and engage veterans and their families on what matters to them. We can also scan the landscape, see what's being done and look for opportunities where there is a need for more research. That's part of how we determine what we'll research.
We're funded to do research, but VAC doesn't get to tell us what to research.