Introduction to the VSSA
Vanderbilt University has a longstanding tradition of training undergraduates in the biomedical sciences through summer research programs. The Vanderbilt Summer Science Academy (VSSA) is an umbrella program that brings together undergraduates conducting summer biomedical research at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. Approximately 120 students in 13 research programs participate in VSSA seminars, enrichment activities, and social activities.
There are multiple programs under the VSSA umbrella, each with their own requirements and directors, so read the descriptions carefully. Please explore programs for Basic Research and programs for Clinical Research.
- Applicants must be enrolled full time in an undergraduate institution and cannot have graduated by the time the programs start.
- Applicants can apply for more than one program on the VSSA application, but are encouraged to focus their essay on the their first choice of programs.
The 2025 VSSA application will open on November 1st, 2024.
Program applications will close on between January 16-February 15, 2025 with most deadlines being February 1st, 2025.
Most programs will run between Tuesday May 27 – Friday August 1, 2025.
Some will run between Monday June 2 – Friday August 1, 2025.
General questions can be directed to Dr. Stephanie Richards at VSSA@vanderbilt.edu
If you are interested in summer engineering programs, please visit*
- VINSE: Vanderbilt Institute of Nanoscale Science and Engineering REU program
- VISE: Vanderbilt Institute for Surgery and Engineering Summer Research Program
- *Please note that these engineering programs are not affiliated with the VSSA.
Recordings from our previous virtual VSSA programs are available for anyone interested in learning about the diverse post-baccalaureate paths for scientists (PhD, MD/PhD, and MD) and how to best prepare. These recordings are available to anyone interested in pursuing these paths.