Research and Academic Training

The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center has a distinguished record of training behavioral and biomedical scientists who are dedicated to solving problems of development and developmental disabilities. We are dedicated to moving research from the laboratory, to the classroom and clinic, to society.

We invite you to consider an array of advanced research training opportunities associated with the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center. Join us in making a difference in the lives of children and adults affected by disability. Link to the programs below for information about predoctoral traineeships, postdoctoral fellowships, and clinical training in neurodevelopmental disabilities.

VKC trainees include graduate students and postdoctoral fellows engaged in research training or research under the mentorship of VKC-affiliated faculty within the VKC IDDRC and individuals receiving preservice training or continuing education in a wide array of disciplines through the VKC UCEDD or Vanderbilt LEND. IDDRC, UCEDD, and LEND trainees are mentored to become leaders in their fields. As an IDDRC, UCEDD, and LEND, the VKC and its trainees are members of the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD), which offers numerous opportunities for trainee involvement, see AUCD Trainees.

To keep informed of training and educational opportunities, subscribe to the VKC Monday Morning Message e-newsletter by contacting kc@vumc.org.

Related Training Programs

• Department of Special Education
  Ranked as a top-tier special education program in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for more than a decade, the department has long been a leader both in research and practice. The department ranks first in scholarly production among other departments at research universities in the United States, according to a new report by Academic Analytics.

• Developmental Psychopathology Research Training
  Program trains research scientists studying the development, life course, and prevention of abnormal behavior.

• Neuroscience Graduate Program
  Vanderbilt Brain Institute's Neuroscience Graduate Program fosters development from trainee to independent research scientist and educator.

• Vanderbilt Postdoctoral Fellowship in Autism and Developmental Disabilities
  The fellowship is housed within TRIAD--the hub for campus-wide interdisciplinary work in autism research, service, outreach, and training. The fellow makes clinical contributions to innovative assessment, training, research, and support programs for children with autism and their families.

• Postdoctoral Training Program in Functional Neurogenomics
  The program provides for formal research training and didactic instruction, as well as seminars and technical workshops at the interface of neuroscience and genomic research. The program is funded by the National Institute of Mental Health. Funds support six postdoctoral trainees.

• Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Science Day
  An event providing a scientific forum for VKC faculty, their graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows. Science day promotes research collaboration and provides faculty and trainees with an opportunity to present significant research findings.

• Vanderbilt Kennedy Center—University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) Traineeships
  UCEDD Trainees are Vanderbilt students working with VKC-affiliated faculty members who serve as mentors. Programs are individualized to provide Trainees with experience in disability-related research, training, services, or dissemination.

• Vanderbilt Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND)
  Training Program prepares graduate and post graduate level health professionals in 13 disciplines to assume leadership roles to serve children with neurodevelopmental and related disabilities.

• Vanderbilt Vision Research Center
  The Vanderbilt Vision Research Center promotes research and training on a wide range of problems in vision science.