The VUMC Program for Research Administration Development (VPRAD) celebrated its 34th cohort in a graduation ceremony on Dec. 16. VPRAD is a career development program designed for any staff member working in an administrative role within a lab, clinic, or administrative office within the Research Enterprise. VPRAD is intended to fill knowledge gaps and equip learners with a broad overview of VUMC’s Research Enterprise, as well as the tools and resources to navigate within it.
Over the course of ten weeks on Teams, participants explore topics such as the lifecycle of a sponsored project, research compliance, shared resources, pre- and post-award management, financial processes, and VUMC best practices for research administration with dozens of expert presenters. Sessions meet twice a week for a total of four hours of traditional classroom learning, and participants are also required to attend lab/office tours, complete a mentorship program, and pass a final exam.
The VPRAD project team extends its heartfelt congratulations to all graduates and sincere thanks to all the supervisors, speakers, mentors, and tour leaders who made VPRAD’s return a success. VPRAD’s 35th cohort will begin in February 2025. Applications are available now here.
