Edge Funding

VFRS

Vanderbilt Faculty Research Scholars ProgramInternal career development award
An internal career development award for faculty researchers pursuing basic, translational, or clinical research projects.

Faculty scholars are competitively selected across all disciplines and degree types for merit and innovation of their science. Stepping stone to NIH/CTSA KL2 career development award and/or individual K. Weekly work-in-progress supplements mentored training.

Scholars who apply to VFRS may be considered for other K12 programs if their work fits a program’s focus and requirements. Applications are ranked by the selection committee in March and scholars are seated on a rolling basis as current scholars receive extramural awards and come off the program.

With your chair’s permission, any faculty researcher who has not already received a career development or large independent (R01 or equivalent) award may be considered for the Scholars Program.  Projects may be basic, translational, or clinical research. Applicants may be from VU, VUMC, or Meharry Medical College.

APPLICATION PROCESS

VFRS AT A GLANCE

VFRS FAQS

VFRS CURRENT & RECENT SCHOLARS

APPLICATION PROCESS
Survey of Intent

Survey of Intent due January 15. 

Once your department chair approves, email the program manager to request a survey. Complete and submit this no later than January 16, 5:00 PM Central Time.

Application Package

Application Package due February 17. 

Applications must be received by 5:00 PM Central Time.

All materials must be emailed to the program manager in a single PDF document ordered as below. The program manager will not compile applications.

Instructions & Due Dates

Instructions & Due Dates

View instructions detailing all the required items for the application.

upcoming VFRS events [ view all events ]
January 13, 2025 | 9:00 am (In-Person) Dr. Todd Edwards | 2525 West End, 6 Floor boardroom
Grant Pacing Workshop
Grants & Funding
Pre/Post Doc
January 16, 2025 | 12:00 pm (In-Person) Panel | PRB 206
Newman Seminar
Grants & Funding
Early career faculty
January 30, 2025 | 12:00 pm (In-Person) Dr. Bill Cooper | PRB 206
Edge Seminar
Pre/Post Doc
RCR
February 6, 2025 | 12:00 pm (In-Person) Panel | PRB 206
Newman Seminar
Faculty Life
Early career faculty
February 12, 2025 | 8:00 am (In-Person) Student Life Center
Forum
Doing Research
Pre/Post Doc
Early career faculty
Mid career faculty
Senior faculty
February 20, 2025 | 12:00 pm (In-Person) Dr. James West | PRB 206
Edge Seminar
Writing & Publishing
Pre/Post Doc
RCR
March 27, 2025 | 12:00 pm (In-Person) Dr. Jermaine Soto | PRB 206
Edge Seminar
Newman Seminar
Faculty Life
Mentoring
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Management & Leadership
Pre/Post Doc
Early career faculty
RCR
April 3, 2025 | 12:00 pm (In-Person) Russ Bebee | PRB 206
Edge Seminar
Doing Research
Pre/Post Doc
Early career faculty
April 10, 2025 | 12:00 pm (In-Person) Panel | PRB 206
Newman Seminar
Grants & Funding
Early career faculty
May 1, 2025 | 12:00 pm (In-Person) Stacey Satchell | PRB 206
Edge Seminar
Newman Seminar
Faculty Life
Life Hacks
Pre/Post Doc
Early career faculty
Testimonials
The VFRS program has been a fantastic tool for my career development.

~ VFRS Awardee

The Edge for Scholars and VFRS are terrific programs which only get better each year in the support that they provide to our K-awardees. As always, I look forward to having a mentoring family, it takes a village, and what a terrific village to be a mentor!

~ VFRS Mentor

This program has been amazing. It has been simultaneously my dream job and training for my next dream job, and has spurred my growth as a researcher in ways I could not have anticipated. Your knowledge of what scientists need to be successful and your detailed planning are extraordinary.

~ VFRS Awardee

READY TO APPLY FOR VFRS?
view application process
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