Summary

The Veterinary Scholars Program (VSP) provides first and second-year veterinary students with mentored research experiences in the College of Veterinary Medicine’s biomedical laboratories. Designed for students with minimal prior research experience, the program’s goal is to foster their interest in research careers.

VSP and IBRTP Announcement

Requirements of the Program Include

• Students are expected to complete 10 weeks of full-time laboratory research over the course of the summer.
• An orientation program for scholars and their faculty mentors.
• Full participation in a seminar series that covers a wide range of research topics. 
• Presentation of your summer research
  • Practice oral research abstract presentations during the summer.
  • Presentation of a research poster at the annual National Veterinary Scholars Symposium (in August; optional).
  • Presentation of your summer research at the annual CVM Research Forum.

Eligibility and Application Process

• Any first or second year veterinary student in good academic standing.
• Minimal prior research experience (no advanced degree e.g. MS or PhD).
• Applications from students attending other veterinary schools are welcome. A list of other veterinary schools offering similar summer research programs may also be accessed at Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Scholars Program. A minimum of 4 stipends will be available for participation of outside scholars in our program.
• Each student must identify a faculty mentor. It is expected that individual projects will enable the student to formulate a testable hypothesis, identify specific objectives, conduct research, interpret data, present their findings in an oral and poster abstract format, and submit a one-page summary at the conclusion of their summer experience.
• Approved Mentors and Projects List
• VSP and IBRTP Application

Due date

Applications are due in early February with notification of acceptance in early March. This year, applications are due February 9, 2026.

Matching Process 

Students may submit applications with more than one mentor, but are limited to two applications. Students are required to meet with prospective mentors prior to submitting an application to work with that mentor. Students will then select one or two mentors with whom to prepare an application. Students will be asked to rank their applications and mentors will be asked to rank their applicants. Matches will be made by the program co-directors.

Funding

A stipend of $6,500.00 will be awarded in stages with full participation in 10 weeks of full-time research. Support to fund travel and participation in the National Veterinary Scholars Symposium in August of the summer you participate in the program.