Two of the College of Veterinary Medicine’s widely respected summer research programs have joined forces to create a single, comprehensive opportunity for veterinary students. The new ten-week program’s inaugural session will run from June 2 through August 10 of 2025.

The Leadership Program and Veterinary Investigator Program (VIP) will collectively be known as the Veterinary Investigation & Leadership Program (VILP), and effectively combines the unique strengths of each former component into one, fully integrated program that aligns with the college’s broader goal of preparing future leaders in the veterinary field who can navigate both scientific challenges and organizational leadership roles.

“This merger brings together the research-focused elements of the VIP with the leadership development opportunities of the Leadership Program,” says Dr. Paula Cohen, associate dean for research and graduate education and co-director of the program. “This merger creates a comprehensive program that prepares veterinary students and for both scientific research and leadership roles within the veterinary field.”

The primary goal of the program is to provide veterinary students with exposure to high-level biomedical research and to motivate program participants to pursue research in veterinary medicine. To foster that, students will receive extensive faculty mentoring and laboratory research experience with one-on-one meetings, journal paper readings and discussions and in-depth involvement in all associated laboratory activities. 

Additionally, the program will involve:

• Weekly seminars on research techniques, and skill building for the life sciences
• Career path discussions
• Social networking and teambuilding
• Presenting at the Veterinary Scholars Symposium (VSS)

The move to combine the VIP and the Leadership program was initiated to address the growing need for veterinary professionals who not only excel in research but also possess strong leadership and decision-making skills. “By combining these two programs, we aim to streamline resources, create a more cohesive learning experience, and provide participants with a well-rounded set of skills,” says Dr. Robert Weiss, professor of molecular genetics in the Department of Biomedical Sciences, senior associate dean at the Graduate School, and co-director of VILP.

The program is designed for early-stage veterinary students, with the goal of exposing them early to the biomedical research. In addition to gaining both scientific research and leadership skills, participants will broaden their career opportunities for roles in academia, research institutions and industry.

 “By exposing veterinary students to the importance, impact, and appeal of basic and translational science, this program will help shape the next generation of veterinarians and increase their engagement in research, to the benefit of the biomedical research enterprise and public health,” says Cohen.

Written by Lauren Cahoon Roberts