School Of Medicine Basic Sciences

Celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the School of Medicine Basic Sciences by revisiting the top 10 scientific discoveries and achievements in our short history. Read More

Meet Caroline Bodnya, a Ph.D. candidate in the lab of Vivian Gama in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology. Read More

Alcohol use disorder and addiction continue to shape public health in widespread and complex ways, influencing everything from metabolic disease and cancer risk to brain function and behavior. During Alcohol Awareness Month, we highlight the remarkable work of our community, whose research spans from molecules to behavior to shed light on this disorder. Read More

The biochemistry lab of Doug Mitchell discovered the enzyme responsible for a rare chemical modification that doesn't exist in human cells, which can potentially become a new target for developing antibiotics that selectively kill bacteria without harming our own cells. Read More

THE BASICS Giving Day is an annual, 24-hour fundraising campaign providing an opportunity to show Vanderbilt pride and support Vanderbilt students, faculty, and programs. Gifts of any size and to any area will provide critical funding. Giving Day 2026 marks Vanderbilt’s 10th Giving Day, a milestone moment that celebrates a… Read More

Ever wonder what about the ROI on biomedical research looks like? At the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Basic Sciences, scientists are delivering answers—by driving discoveries that are already improving human health and paving the way for tomorrow’s treatments. This 2025–26 roundup highlights some of the year’s most exciting advances, showing the extraordinary value of sustained support for biomedical science. Read More

Kathleen DelGiorno, assistant professor of cell and developmental biology at the School of Medicine Basic Sciences, will deliver an upcoming Kairos Lecture on Thursday, April 23. Read More

Meet Trang Doan, Pod 3 administrative officer in the School of Medicine Basic Sciences. Read More

Kavalali’s team identified spontaneous neurotransmission–dependent signaling mechanisms that help explain how certain antidepressants can act rapidly in the brain. Read More

Prashant Donthamsetti, assistant professor of pharmacology at the School of Medicine Basic Sciences, delivered the upcoming Kairos Lecture on Thursday, March 26. Read More