By fostering these visits, the program promotes scientific exchange, strengthens institutional connections, and offers trainees valuable professional development experience in communicating their work to diverse audiences.
Benefits for Graduate Students
Professional Development – Presenting in an academic setting strengthens public speaking skills, builds confidence, and enhances the ability to communicate complex research to varied audiences.
Networking – Reconnect with faculty and students while expanding professional relationships that may lead to collaborations or future career opportunities.
CV/Resumé Enhancement – Adds a credible invited talk to the trainee’s academic record, demonstrating recognition of their expertise.
Benefits for the Former Undergraduate Institution
Department Reputation – Showcasing alumni who have advanced into competitive graduate programs elevates the department’s profile internally and externally.
Recruitment Tool – Demonstrates clear student success pathways, helping attract prospective students.
Knowledge Transfer – Brings new research insights and methodological approaches back to the home institution.
Eligibility
- Must be a 3rd-, 4th-, or 5th-year graduate student.
- The student’s mentor must be a VICB member.
- The presenter must have a well-developed, cohesive research story appropriate for an invited seminar presentation.
- Travel is limited to domestic travel within the continental United States.
- The Ambassador Travel Award is offered twice per year, with calls for applications typically released in September and January.
- Recipients selected in the Fall competition are expected to present at their undergraduate institution in the following Spring, while recipients selected in the Spring competition are expected to present in the following Fall.
2025-2026 Winners
