Science Education

Van Andel Education Institute (VAEI) is dedicated to strengthening science education and preparing and motivating individuals to pursue science or science-related professions. Van Andel Research Institute works to eradicate disease to give hope to patients and their families. Van Andel Education Institute works to provide future scientists to continue to enhance lives through research.  

Educational programs and initiatives at Van Andel Institute include:

science academy

Science Academy

The Science Academy offers science education programs for students, teachers, and the community and studies how students learn science to have an impact on science education nationally. The Science Academy offers hands-on programs that can not only change the way students think about science, but also how they think about the world around them and their future in it. Learn More

   
graduate school

VAI Graduate School

Van Andel Institute Graduate School is a unique Ph.D. program that prepares students for careers in biomedical disease research. The program includes an innovative problem-based curriculum that simulates how scientists approach new research questions, laboratory rotations, seminars and workshops, and optional teaching and hospital experiences. Learn More

   
students in labs

Students in Labs / Internships

Students at the high school, college, university, and graduate level can find out what a career in science involves by working in Van Andel Research Institute labs through several programs, including the Grand Rapids Area Pre-College Engineering Program, internships (Frederik and Lena Meijer summer program, medical internships, guest students), Bridges to the Baccalaureate, and the VAI-MSU Graduate Program.

   
postdoctoral fellowships

Postdoctoral Fellowships

Van Andel Research Institute (VARI) offers postdoctoral fellowships to scientists beginning their research careers after graduate school, allowing them to not only advance their knowledge and research experience, but also support the Institute’s research endeavors under the mentorship of a VARI Scientific Investigator. Learn More