Institute FAQs

VAI has five main fields of study, which are reflected in our five research departments:

• • Epigenetics: Epigenetics regulate when the instructions in our DNA are acted upon and when they are not, a process that has major implications for health and disease.
  • Neurodegenerative Science: Neurodegenerative diseases affect the brain and nervous system and progressively worsen over time. Examples include Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and ALS.
  • Metabolism and Nutritional Programming: Metabolism and nutrition play roles in virtually every aspect of health and can influence disease.
  • Cell Biology: Cell biology seeks to understand the cells that comprise the body: how they grow, communicate, survive, assemble into tissues and organs, respond to the environment, and change with age.
  • Structural biology: Structural biology harnesses state-of-the-art technology to visualize the molecular building blocks of life.

Our scientists study many different diseases, including:

• • Cancer
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Dementias, such as Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia
  • Diabetes and other metabolic disorders
  • Bone diseases, such as osteoarthritis
  • Depression
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
  • Rare disorders, including neurofibromatosis type 1, Peutz-Jehgers syndrome, Beckwith-Weidemann syndrome, Silver-Russell syndrome, MEPAN syndrome and Robinow syndrome

Explore our Research Areas for more information ➔

The following examples are just a snapshot of the discoveries made by VAI scientists. Learn more and stay up to date by visiting our News page.

• • Developed a potential new blood test for pancreatic cancer that may improve earlier detection of the disease. The test is undergoing additional testing in a clinical lab, a crucial step toward use in the doctor’s office.
  • Identified several new epigenetic targets for cancer treatment.
  • Revealed how different nutrients impact immune cells, laying the groundwork for new ways to improve cancer immunotherapies.
  • Linked inflammation to pregnancy-related depression, which may help doctors objectively evaluate risk for depression and suicide among pregnant women.
  • Developed a potent anti-cancer compound that inhibits cancer cell growth in a type of infant leukemia.
  • Shed new light on the intricacies of DNA replication.
  • Identified a molecular “fingerprint” that marks brain cells that are vulnerable to Parkinson’s and Lewy body dementia.
  • Visualized parts of a repair system that tuberculosis-causing bacteria use to resist treatment, which may offer a target for new treatments.

Basic research seeks to answer fundamental questions about health and disease. It is the critical first step toward finding therapies for diseases like cancer and Parkinson’s. Examples of basic research include questions like:

• • How do cells “talk” to each other?
  • How does a specific protein work? What happens when there are problems with the protein?
  • How does the shape of a molecule affect its function?

Learn more about basic research ➔

Yes! VAI’s Student Research Fellowship provides undergraduate students opportunities to be mentored by professionals in their chosen research field, become familiar with the use of state-of-the-art scientific equipment and technology, and learn valuable interpersonal and presentation skills. Learn more about our Student Research Fellowship ➔

VAI’s High School Graduate Research Program is an eight-week paid summer research experience that introduces recent high school graduates from the Grand Rapids area to cutting-edge biomedical research. Learn more about our High School Graduate Research Program ➔

VAI is a research institute and does not treat patients.

We collaborate with hospitals and medical professionals to transform discoveries made in our labs into potential new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat disease. We support two large collaborations designed to move promising therapies for cancer and Parkinson’s into clinical trials. 

• • The Van Andel Institute–Stand Up To Cancer^® Epigenetics Dream Team fosters collaboration between several of the world’s most respected research and clinical organizations to quickly move promising potential combination therapies for cancer into clinical trials.
  • The International Linked Clinical Trials (iLCT) program, a partnership between Cure Parkinson’s and Van Andel Institute, aims to identify new therapies for Parkinson’s disease by repurposing medications for other conditions. It is one of the world’s largest drug repurposing and repositioning programs for Parkinson’s.

We also have two internal programs that foster innovation and collaboration in neurodegenerative disease and metabolism research.

• • The MiND Program seeks to move the needle in our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases, power new discoveries and leverage our findings to inform groundbreaking treatment strategies.
  • The MeNu Program is a collaborative effort to understand the impact of diet and nutrition on human health at the molecular level.

There are many ways to support VAI’s mission.

• • Donate to VAI: VAI is supported by a generous community of donors, each one committed to a better, brighter future. Every donation goes directly to VAI’s research and education programs. Give a gift today ➔
  • Philanthropic events: Events at VAI bring together our scientists, educators and supporters for exciting and informative experiences. Guests will learn more about the Institute’s work and mission, and all proceeds directly support our research and education programs. Explore upcoming events ➔
  • Purple Community: Purple Community is VAI’s grassroots fundraising team. You can support VAI by hosting or attending a Purple Community event.

VAI for Education offers K–12 programming that prepares and inspires the next generation of scientists and problem solvers by creating classrooms where curiosity, creativity and critical thinking thrive. Visit VAI for Education ➔

At Van Andel Institute for Education (VAI Education), our mission is to prepare and inspire the next generation of scientists and problem solvers by creating classrooms where curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking thrive. We empower lifelong learners through inquiry-based experiences, transformative professional development and classroom-tested resources.

VAI Education is the K–12 educational branch of Van Andel Institute and complements its biomedical research mission by supporting K–12 learning through professional development, public events and networks, student experiences, and educational resources.

VAI Education offers a variety of engaging programs for students, including our After-School Cohort, Summer Camps and Science Parties. Each experience is designed to be hands-on, meaningful and fun, sparking curiosity and creativity through real-world science and engineering exploration. Our programs help students build important skills — like problem-solving, collaboration and critical thinking — that will help them excel in school and beyond.

VAI Education offers a range of innovative and affordable programs for educators, including professional development (both virtual and in-person), affinity networks, public workshops, webinars and educational resources designed for K–12 teachers. In addition, each year VAI Education puts on Science on the Grand: A STEAM Conference for K–8 Inquiry-Based Educators. Each program is research-based, hands-on, tested in our classrooms and practical, providing meaningful strategies and resources to inspire curiosity, creativity and deeper learning in the classroom.

No, not all educational resources are STEM-based. We provide dynamic learning resources that are designed to cultivate our 7 Success Skills: curiosity, creative thinking, critical thinking, communication, collaboration, self-direction and perseverance.

VAI’s Educator’s Studio bundles virtually all the digital resources in one membership for a much lower cost than purchasing items individually. The Inquiry Outpost offers individual purchase options for digital and physical resources.

You can enroll your student by visiting vaieducation.org and selecting the program you’re interested in on the For Families page — such as Summer Camps, After-School Cohort or Science Parties. Each program page includes registration details, dates, age or grade requirements, and a direct link to the online registration form. If you need assistance or have questions about availability, you can contact us at [email protected] or call 616.234.5528.

Classroom Field Trips must be scheduled by teachers, not parents. To sign up, teachers can email [email protected] with their school’s name, grade level, number of students and preferred dates. Our team will follow up to confirm your visit and provide next steps.

The best way to stay connected is by joining our mailing list and following us on social media (Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube). Our newsletter highlights upcoming programs, free classroom resources, professional development opportunities and inspiring stories from educators and students. You can also visit vaieducation.org regularly to see the latest events, webinars and learning opportunities.

Van Andel Institute Graduate School is an accredited graduate school, housed within Van Andel Institute, an independent research and education organization in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Graduate School offers a research-intensive, interdisciplinary Ph.D. program in molecular and cellular biology that prepares students for successful careers as independent investigators. Students receive in-depth training in the latest techniques across fields and disease areas, including epigenetics, genetics, cancer, neuroscience, metabolism, immunology, structural biology, bone biology and more.

The Graduate School employs an innovative, problem-based learning approach that trains students to conduct high-caliber, rigorous science and to translate basic biological findings into clinical applications, blending discovery with invention and insight with application. Students also undergo extensive professional development in areas such as leadership, ethics, responsible and effective conduct of research, public speaking, and grant and technical writing. By the end of their time at the Graduate School, students are prepared to tackle science’s most pressing questions.

Van Andel Institute Graduate School offers a rigorous, problem-based Ph.D. program in molecular and cellular biology. Learn more about our biomedical graduate program ➔ 

Yes, Van Andel Institute Graduate School is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. This accreditation assures current and prospective students that the Graduate School meets Higher Learning Commission standards of higher education. To maintain accreditation, our programs are continuously reviewed to ensure institutional quality and integrity. The Graduate School was first accredited in 2013 and was reaffirmed in 2024. For more information regarding our status or affiliations with the Higher Learning Commission, please visit hlcommission.org.

VAI Graduate School offers a Ph.D. program in molecular and cellular biology.

No, Van Andel Institute Graduate School does not have a separate master’s degree program. However, VAI Graduate School is accredited to award master’s degrees and may do so if a student elects to leave the Ph.D. program early.

Our rigorous, problem-based learning curriculum includes foundational coursework in biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, epigenetics, bioinformatics and pathophysiology. Prior to selecting their thesis lab and mentor, students complete three, four-week research rotations in VAI laboratories to help identify their areas of interest.

After selecting a lab, students embark on original, creative research projects under the mentorship of their advisor. This work culminates in the compilation of a doctoral dissertation, a novel contribution to their field that demonstrates the student’s knowledge, skill and scientific maturity.

In addition to course and lab work, students also participate in weekly seminars and professional development courses and workshops. Students interested in teaching may elect to serve as teaching assistants or instructors at local universities. Learn more about our curriculum ➔

Yes, Van Andel Institute Graduate School partners with Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine to offer training in both clinical medicine and biomedical research, resulting in M.D. and Ph.D. degrees. These programs typically span eight years, with four years of Ph.D. research training flanked on each side by two years of medical and clinical education. Learn more about our M.D./Ph.D. program ➔

Van Andel Institute Graduate School’s application period opens in August and closes Dec. 1 each year. Applications are submitted through the free GradCAS portal. In addition to the application, potential students must include a one-page research summary describing previous research experience, a personal CV or resume, and electronic versions of transcripts. We also require three letters of recommendation, which are submitted by the people providing the recommendations.

Admission to the program is competitive. We encourage prospective students to review our Admissions page to understand the process ➔

Van Andel Institute Graduate School’s admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university; research experience; overall academic excellence; three letters of recommendation from faculty members; proof of English proficiency (international applications only); transcript evaluation (for international applicants); and high competence in skills important to a career in scientific research.

This list is a summary. For a full list of admission requirements, please visit How to Apply ➔

No, Van Andel Institute Graduate School does not require the GRE.

After submitting an online application through GradCAS, Van Andel Institute Graduate School’s Admission Committee conducts an in-depth review of application materials. Attention is given to every aspect of an application, with emphasis placed on past scientific achievement as well as scholarly potential. Academic records, letters of recommendation, your research statement and CV/resume are all taken into consideration.

Application review is conducted and invitations to interview are sent in December. In January and February, selected applicants visit Van Andel Institute for interviews (in some cases, applicants may be interviewed virtually). Admissions offers are sent in February and March. Applicants who receive offers have until April 15 to respond.

Van Andel Institute Graduate School is home to a vibrant community of student scholars. Students receive personalized mentorship from VAI faculty and extensive support from VAI Graduate School’s expert staff. Explore our graduate student support services ➔

In addition, the Graduate Student Association helps foster community and camaraderie among our student community. Activities include monthly chalk talks, an annual retreat, social activities and comprehensive exam coaching.

VAI Graduate School is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, along the city’s Medical Mile corridor. Grand Rapids often appears on lists of best places to live, visit and work.

Yes! Van Andel Institute Graduate School offers 100% tuition coverage for our graduate students. Students also receive a generous living stipend and medical, dental and vision insurance, independent of citizenship. The stipend for the 2025–2026 academic year is $44,000.

In addition, VAI Graduate School provides a laptop computer and up to $2,500 per year to attend scientific conferences. We offer a one-time relocation allowance of up to $1,500. Students also may receive a 10% stipend increase in recognition of receiving an independent fellowship such as an NIH National Research Service Award (NRSA), NSF Graduate Research Fellowship (GRFP), or other prestigious fellowship award.

Undergraduate students can learn more about Van Andel Institute Graduate School by visiting vai.org/graduate-school. You also may sign up to receive emails from VAI Graduate School by completing the pop-up web form on vai.org/graduate-school. The Institute offers an Undergraduate Student Research Fellowship every summer.