Research

The Vanderbilt University Social, Behavioral and Educational Research Institutional Review Board will begin its phased launch on March 3, transitioning oversight of SBER studies involving human participants from the Vanderbilt University Medical Center IRB. Researchers can access new resources, training and tools to streamline the submission process and ensure compliance during this transition. Read More

Vanderbilt University, led by Professor Ralf Bennartz, will lead a NASA satellite mission investigating Earth's high-altitude ice clouds, backed by a robust grant of $37 million. This endeavor, leveraging the university's climate research expertise, will provide opportunities for student involvement and bolsters Vanderbilt's position in global climate research. Read More

Larry Bartels and Keivan Stassun were among the 23 recipients of the 2024 National Medal of Science and the National Medal of Technology and Innovation—the nation’s highest honors for exemplary achievement and leadership in science and technology. Both... Read More

A new peer-reviewed study shows that a back-relieving exosuit can simultaneously increase lifting endurance and reduce injury risk. Read More

The agreement, signed by university and Canadian officials during a Dec. 3 ceremony at Vanderbilt’s Special Collections and University Archives, marks the second five-year collaboration between the two organizations and reaffirms their shared commitmen... Read More

Climate change affects us all; however, disadvantaged communities are often the most vulnerable and negatively impacted. Low-income households have limited material and financial resources to build resilience to heat and other weather events. Low-incom... Read More

The Roberts Academy and Dyslexia Center at Vanderbilt will celebrate its next milestone when it breaks ground at its permanent location, the corner of 18th Avenue South and Edgehill Avenue, in January 2025. Read More

The Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization has honored five faculty members as 2024 Master Innovators for their groundbreaking research and transformative innovations. These pioneers, recognized for achievements spanning patents, startups and impactful technologies, exemplify Vanderbilt's dedication to translating academic excellence into societal advancements. Read More

Jens Meiler, Distinguished Research Professor of Chemistry, was named the principal investigator for the project, in cooperation with 14 investigators across eight institutions. The team will work together to use advanced technology, including computational modeling, AI-driven predictions and structural biology, to develop a groundbreaking vaccine against all alphaviruses that offers long-lasting protection. Read More

A series of three recently published studies have provided the first nationally comprehensive analysis of shootings by law enforcement officers that injured or killed people in the U.S. Led by Julie Ward, assistant professor of medicine, health, and so... Read More

A person’s native language is often referred to as their “mother tongue.” But does a first language always come from your mother? In a new study conducted by Associate Professor of Biological Sciences Nicole Creanza, postdoctoral student Yakov Pichkar,... Read More

Vanderbilt University is progressing toward the launch of its new Social, Behavioral and Educational Research IRB in 2025, thanks to collaborative input from stakeholders across the research community. This phased transition will streamline review processes for social and behavioral studies, ensuring tailored support. Read More

Vanderbilt University has awarded a new cycle of Innovation Catalyst Fund grants to pioneering faculty projects that advance health care technology, AI tools for research impact and wearable devices. These grants support translational research and drive real-world solutions across disciplines, underscoring Vanderbilt's commitment to fostering innovation and societal impact. Read More

A recent study conducted by Vanderbilt chemistry professors Sandy Rosenthal and Oleg Kovtun found that people experiencing depressed states had lower daytime activity, and people’s daytime activity increased with longer days and more sun exposure. Read More

Vanderbilt University secured four National Endowment for the Humanities grants totaling $330,696 to support projects ranging from Yiddish literature to the preservation of Special Collections. The grants highlight Vanderbilt’s leadership in humanities research and were facilitated by the university’s Research Development and Support team. Read More

A new study led by Andre Bastos, assistant professor of psychology, found that animal subjects under general anesthesia were unable to detect moderate and complex surprises. This discovery deepens the understanding about the nature of consciousness and how it arises. Read More

Vanderbilt University has been awarded $890,000 from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development's TNGO Mobility and Automotive Discovery Grants. The award will fund the leadership and collaboration on projects that enhance transportation safety and efficiency using advanced technologies like AI and LiDAR. These initiatives help position Vanderbilt as a leader in mobility research and innovation, driving economic growth and technological advancement in the state. Read More

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center are seeking children and adolescents between the ages of 10 and 16 years old who have been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability to participate in a research study examining the effect of theatre on children with ASD and ID. Read More

The Department of Labor awarded Next Steps at Vanderbilt University $2.32M to expand its registered apprenticeship offerings for neurodiverse students. This grant will enhance existing apprenticeships and develop new ones in high-demand industries, furthering the program’s mission to provide inclusive postsecondary education and meaningful employment opportunities. Read More

Vanderbilt assistant professor of pharmacology Cody Siciliano has been awarded a $1.3 million grant from the W.M. Keck Foundation to study oral chemesthesis, the burning sensation you feel in your mouth when you sip alcohol. Understanding this sensation better could lead to new treatments for alcohol use disorders, but research in this area is scarce. Read More