Training & Education

Interested in Participating in a Training Program?

Vanderbilt has become a nationally recognized center for the training of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows for research careers. Funding for these training programs comes from National Institutes of Health training grants (T32’s, K12’s, T35’s, etc.) and other sources of support. Some of the training programs support an educational curriculum such as participation in the Master of Science in Clinical Investigation and the Master of Public Health programs. To learn more about Vanderbilt’s many students, residents, and fellows training programs, visit the Vanderbilt Clinical and Translational Research Scholars (VCTRS) Program website. 

The VCTRS Program also provides junior faculty and fellowship level trainees who have been offered a faculty appointment who are committed to a career in clinical investigation, with a mentored research apprenticeship integrated with the didactic training of the MSCI or MPH programs.

Vanderbilt University also offers a one year, in-depth research experience available to Vanderbilt medical students: The Vanderbilt University Medical Scholars Program. The goal of the program is to foster an interest in research among medical students that may eventually lead to the pursuit of a career in academic medicine

Edge for Scholars

Edge for Scholars mission is to empower biomedical researchers to innovate, create, mentor, and make enduring contributions. The Edge office is your Vanderbilt home for academic faculty research career development across the spectrum of basic, translational, and clinical disciplines.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT AWARDS [VFRS]

 VUMC’s internal career development award.

EDGE FOR SCHOLARS ARTICLES

EDGE LIBRARY 

Curated collection of books on career development available to borrow.

EDGE OFFICE HOURS 

Discuss any topic related to working as an academic scientist.

EDGE REVIEWS 

Simulated NIH internal study section in advance of the major NIH cycles, reviewing all types of R, K, and F series as well as federal or foundation equivalents.

EDGE FOR SCHOLARS CAREER DEVELOPMENT SEMINARS 

Participate in career development seminars to gain valuable insights and practical guidance from senior faculty. Tailored for career level and basic science and clinical researchers, these seminars will provide a fresh perspective.

FLIGHT CONNECTOR 

Software that builds an interactive concept map to find new research collaborations at Vanderbilt.

FLIGHT TRACKER

 Software that automates tracking and analysis of career outcomes, including publications, funding, training activities, and other milestones.

FUNDED GRANTS LIBRARY 

Examples of successful F, K, and R awards, including resubmissions and reviewer comments.

GRANT PACING WORKSHOPS 

Tools to prepare the best possible grant.

GRANT WRITING FUNDAMENTALS WORKSHOP

 An online 12-week guided training to learn how to write a clearer, more persuasive grant application.

MANUSCRIPT SPRINTS 

Small peer review groups to complete a manuscript in 6 to 8 weeks.

MENTORSHIP TRAINING DIRECTORY 

A tool for directors of training grants to track faculty participation in formal mentor training.