VPCAT How to Apply

--Request for Applications (RFA)--
2026-2027 VPCAT Scholar Cohort

CLOSED - VPCAT Scholar Cohort

The VPCAT Research Scholars Program requests applications from junior faculty committed to clinical or translational research careers to apply for the 2026-2027 VPCAT Scholar Cohort. VPCAT is a 2-year mentoring program that provides early-stage faculty leadership competencies, intensive mentorship, grant submission/management expertise, and practical skills to enhance their transition into funded clinical or translational researchers.

Mandatory Scholar Requirements

Applicants considering applying in response to the 2026-2027 VPCAT Scholar Cohort RFA must be able to commit to the mandatory program events and curricular sessions below. Therefore, we highly advise applicants to block their calendars and work to transition schedules to accommodate these requirements as early as possible.

• Initial VPCAT Mentor Meeting:  A 1-hour meeting with the scholar, their scientific mentor, assigned VPCAT mentor, and VPCAT program personnel to occur no later than the end of March 2026. VPCAT personnel will organize and schedule the meeting.
• VPCAT Curricular Sessions:  Curricular sessions are held from 12:30 to 4:30 pm every 2nd and 4th Wednesday, except July and December. Other than once per quarter, all sessions are held virtually. A minimum of 80% attendance is required per year.

RFA Instructions

The 2026-2027 application documents will be released in Summer 2025. The following documents and program materials comprise the 2026-2027 VPCAT Scholar Cohort Application. We have also included 5 examples of funded 2025-2026 VPCAT applications and the associated summary statements.

Questions on the application process, instructions, or mandatory requirements should be directed to the VPCAT Program Coordinator, Jess Brunt, either via email or phone (801-587-4808), or see the VPCAT Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

Please check this website regularly to ensure you are using the most up-to-date version of the application documentation and associated program materials.

2026-2027 VPCAT Scholar Cohort RFA Documents

• Request for Application (RFA) - Instructions
• VPCAT Senior Mentor Selection Form
  • VPCAT Senior Mentor Bios
• Reviewer Instructions, Scoring Guide, and Review Criteria 

Examples of Funded VPCAT Applications & Summary Statements

• Claire E.F. Miller, MD, MSCS  [Full Application | Summary Statement]
• Diana E. Naranjo, PhD, MPH  [Full Application | Summary Statement]
• Jenny Pierce, PhD, CCC-SLP  [Full Application | Summary Statement]
• Alistair A. Thorpe, PhD  [Full Application | Summary Statement]
• Chia Jie Tan, PhD, BCOP [Full Application | Summary Statement]

Associated VPCAT Program Documents

• VPCAT Scholar Handbook
• VPCAT Research Scholars Program Overview
• VPCAT Scholar Career Development Plan (VS-CDP)
  • Initial VS-CDP
  • Initial VS-CDP Appendices
• Self-Assessment Form
• Mid-Program Report Instructions
• Mid-Program Scholar Feedback Form
• Final Program Report Instructions
• Final Program Scholar Feedback Form
• Final Program Evaluation Form