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Welcome to the Vanderbilt Summer Science Academy

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 in multiple summer research programs at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. Students do research in Vanderbilt laboratories, and have the opportunity to attend seminars that support their development as future scientists.

 

Research Presentations

Key Information

  • Application Details

    The 2027 VSSA application will open on November 1st, 2026.

    Program applications will close between January 16-February 15, 2027 with most deadlines being February 1st, 2027.

    Most programs will run between Tuesday June 1 – Friday July 30, 2027.

    Some will run between Monday June 7 – Friday August 6, 2026 or Tuesday June 1 - Friday August 6, 2027.

    General questions can be directed to

    Dr. Stephanie Richards at vssa@vanderbilt.edu

    Questions about the individual programs should be directed to the contact listed on the individual program page.

  • Interested in Engineering?

    If you are interested in summer engineering programs, please visit the following sites:

     VINSE: Vanderbilt Institute of Nanoscale Science and Engineering REU program or VISE: Vanderbilt Institute for Surgery and Engineering Summer Research Program

    *Please note that these engineering programs are not affiliated with the VSSA.

  • Quick Note

    Recordings from our 2021 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.