VPCAT How to Apply

--Request for Applications (RFA)--
2027-2028 VPCAT Scholar Cohort

2027-2028 VPCAT Scholar Cohort

The VPCAT Research Scholars Program invites applications from early-stage faculty committed to clinical or translational research careers to apply for the 2027-2028 VPCAT Scholar Cohort. VPCAT is a 2-year competitive mentoring program that provides early-stage faculty with leadership competencies, intensive mentorship, grant submission/management expertise, and practical skills to enhance their transition into funded investigators.

Application Timeline

Dates	Description
Wednesday, September 2, 2026 12:00-1:00 pm \| Meeting via Zoom	VPCAT Application Workshop: Interested eligible applicants can register to attend by emailing vpcat@utah.edu.
Friday, September 25, 2026	2027-2028 VPCAT Scholar Cohort Applications are due by 5:00 pm MST via the University of Utah Competition Space. Late applications are not accepted.
October-November 13, 2026	The program conducts merit reviews and prepares notifications, which will be sent by November 13, 2026.
Monday, December 7, 2026 *MANDATORY*	All accepted applicants must attend the in-person 1-day VPCAT Orientation. We highly encourage scholars to attend the VPCAT Soirée and Capstone from 5:30-8:00 pm.

Mandatory Scholar Requirements

Applicants considering applying in response to the 2027-2028 VPCAT Scholar Cohort RFA must be able to commit to the mandatory program events and curricular sessions listed 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 2027. VPCAT personnel will organize and schedule the meeting.
VPCAT Curricular Sessions: Curricular sessions are held from 12:30 to 4:30 pm every 2^nd and 4^th Wednesday, except in June, July, and December. There will be 4 mandatory, in-person sessions a year. All other sessions will be held virtually. A minimum of 80% attendance is required per year.

RFA Instructions

The following documents and program materials comprise the 2027-2028 VPCAT Scholar Cohort Application. We have also included 5 examples of funded VPCAT applications, along with their associated summary statements.

Questions about the application process, instructions, or mandatory requirements should be directed to vpcat@utah.edu, 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.

2027-2028 VPCAT Scholar Cohort RFA Documents