VIRDE is an annual intensive research training program designed to facilitate trainee research productivity in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This month-long program is intended to bolster and further develop the skill sets necessary for conducting responsible human subjects’ research and developing a grant proposal for submission. Attendees participate in a series of grant writing, research ethics/scientific integrity, and career development seminars and workshops. Additionally, each attendee is paired with a Vanderbilt faculty mentor to promote their scientific research development.
Elite health professionals, including Fogarty training grant alumni, engaged in research are eligible to apply to VIRDE. The program is open only to LMIC biomedical and public health researchers and is supported by VIGH’s training and research grants. This program is directed by VIGH and occurs at Vanderbilt.
In over a decade, VIRDE has trained over 80 scholars from 16 countries. Results from the 10 year impact evaluation showed 83% of VIRDE alumni submitted grants after participating in VIRDE; 64% of them received funding. 91% were principal investigators (including co-PI and multi-PI). Grant funding comes from diverse sources including US and European government funds, national organizations, foundations, and pharmaceutical companies.
Program Evaluation Publication
Cassell HM, Rose ES, Moon TD, Bello-Manga H, Aliyu MH, Mutale W. Strengthening research capacity through an intensive training program for biomedical investigators from low- and middle-income countries: the Vanderbilt Institute for Research Development and Ethics (VIRDE). BMC Med Educ. 2022 Feb 14;22(1):97. doi: 10.1186/s12909-022-03162-8. PMID: 35164739; PMCID: PMC8842898.
Program Evaluation Presentation
