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 ]
September 10, 2025 | 12:00 pm (Virtual) Mr. Alex Carroll
EFS Seminar
Productivity
Pre/Post Doc
September 12, 2025 | 11:00 am (In-Person) Dr. David Calkins & EFS Leadership | Light Hall 202
Doing Research
Pre/Post Doc
September 22, 2025 | 1:00 pm (In-Person) Dr. Wesley Self & EFS Leadership | Light Hall 214
Faculty Life
Doing Research
Pre/Post Doc
Early career faculty
Mid career faculty
Senior faculty
September 23, 2025 | 12:00 pm (In-Person) Dr. Eric Austin | 2525 West End, VICTR Suite 609 Boardroom
Grant Pacing Workshop
Grants & Funding
Early career faculty
October 3, 2025 | 9:00 am (In-Person) Dr. Eric Austin | 2525 West End, Ste 1040
Grant Pacing Workshop
Grants & Funding
Early career faculty
October 7, 2025 | 1:00 pm (In-Person) Dr. Julie Bastarache | 2525 West End, VICTR Suite 609 Boardroom
Grant Pacing Workshop
Grants & Funding
Early career faculty
October 15, 2025 | 1:00 pm (In-Person) Dr. Julie Bastarache | 2525 West End, VICTR Suite 609 Boardroom
Grant Pacing Workshop
Grants & Funding
Early career faculty
October 22, 2025 | 12:00 pm (Virtual) Dr. Bertha Hidalgo
EFS Seminar
Faculty Life
Pre/Post Doc
Early career faculty
November 4, 2025 | 12:00 pm (In-Person) Dr. Rangaraj Ramanujam | VUMC Strategy & Innovation Center, 3401 West End, Suite 290
Faculty Life
Communication
Early career faculty
RCR
November 12, 2025 | 12:00 pm (Virtual) Dr. Sean Collins
EFS Seminar
Grants & Funding
Pre/Post Doc
Early career faculty
November 13, 2025 | 5:00 pm
Edge Review
Pre/Post Doc
Early career faculty
Mid career faculty
Senior faculty
November 19, 2025 | 12:00 pm (Virtual) Dr. Bill Heerman
EFS Seminar
Grants & Funding
Faculty Life
Writing & Publishing
Mentoring
Doing Research
Management & Leadership
Networking & Collaboration
Early career faculty
December 3, 2025 | 12:00 pm (Virtual) Panel
EFS Seminar
Doing Research
Pre/Post Doc
Early career faculty
December 4, 2025 | 5:00 pm Must have submitted survey of intent by November 13
Edge Review
Pre/Post Doc
Early career faculty
Mid career faculty
Senior faculty
December 8, 2025 | 11:00 am (In-Person) Dr. Todd Edwards | Room 1040, 2525 West End
Mentoring
Mid career faculty
Senior faculty
January 12, 2026 | 9:00 am (In-Person) Ms. Melissa Krasnove & Dr. Todd Edwards | 2525 West End, 1040
Grant Pacing Workshop
Grants & Funding
Pre/Post Doc
January 21, 2026 | 12:00 pm (Virtual) Panel
EFS Seminar
Mentoring
Early career faculty
RCR
January 28, 2026 | 12:00 pm (Virtual) Panel
EFS Seminar
Mentoring
Early career faculty
RCR
February 4, 2026 | 12:00 pm Mr. Craig Boerner
EFS Seminar
Communication
Pre/Post Doc
Early career faculty
February 11, 2026 | 12:00 pm (Virtual) Dr. Bill Cooper
EFS Seminar
Pre/Post Doc
February 25, 2026 | 12:00 pm (Virtual) Dr. Tatsuki Koyama
EFS Seminar
Doing Research
Pre/Post Doc
Early career faculty
March 4, 2026 | 12:00 pm (Virtual) Panel
EFS Seminar
Grants & Funding
Pre/Post Doc
Early career faculty
March 19, 2026 | 5:00 pm
Edge Review
Pre/Post Doc
Early career faculty
Mid career faculty
Senior faculty
April 8, 2026 | 12:00 pm (Virtual) Panel
EFS Seminar
Grants & Funding
Pre/Post Doc
April 9, 2026 | 5:00 pm Must have submitted survey of intent by March 19
Edge Review
Pre/Post Doc
Early career faculty
Mid career faculty
Senior faculty
April 29, 2026 | 12:00 pm (Virtual) TBA
EFS Seminar
Faculty Life
Writing & Publishing
Doing Research
Networking & Collaboration
Pre/Post Doc
Early career faculty
July 23, 2026 | 5:00 pm
Edge Review
Pre/Post Doc
Early career faculty
Mid career faculty
Senior faculty
August 13, 2026 | 5:00 pm Must have submitted survey of intent by July 23
Edge Review
Pre/Post Doc
Early career faculty
Mid career faculty
Senior faculty
Testimonials
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

I've very much enjoyed the WIP groups and Newman Society Seminars -- both have resulted in tangible improvements to my work and writing, which led to my independent K01 award.

~ 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

READY TO APPLY FOR VFRS?
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