V. A. Bailey is well known for his experimental work on the motions of slow electrons in gases and in particular for his method of measuring the attachment coefficient of electrons to gas molecules. His experience with the properties of slow electrons in gases led him to an exploration of the phenomenon of radio wave interaction. He has also contributed to magnetic-ionic theory and to the theory of electro-magnetic oscillations in ionized genes. Other subjects to which he has made original contributions are, the theory of animal populations and miscellaneous topics in pure and applied mathematics.