The Vanderbilt Epidemiology Center is committed to conducting research to enhance and expand our understanding of the distributions and determinants of disease, to promoting collaboration aimed at the translation of research into cost-effective strategies of disease prevention and health care delivery, and to training independent investigators in epidemiology research and disease prevention. These goals are accomplished through an expansive and flourishing research program. Research within the VEC falls into at least one of nine primary research categories: Cancer, Cardiovascular Disease & Diabetes, Genetics, Infectious Disease & International Health, Nutritional, Occupational & Environmental, Pharmacological, Psychological & Behavioral, Reproductive. In 2012, VEC members received over $25 million in research grants and contracts including cohort, case-control, and intervention studies.