Frequently Asked Questions

Medical students interested in getting involved in research should complete a Student Research Profile. Once completed, MSR will email to set up an initial consult to discuss resources and processes here at VHS as well as how to prepare for research activities. This form also enters you into the MSR database which is the primary method MSR uses to find suitable candidates when informed of a new research project.

Yes. The MSR Travel Grant supports medical students traveling to present their research at regional, national, and international conferences, and applications are submitted at https://redcap.link/MSR_Travel_Reimbursement_Application . A second option is the EVMS Community Faculty Designated Student/Resident/Fellow Research Travel Award, administered by the Office of Research, though students may not receive both awards for the same travel.

  1. Funding for medical student research comes through the Office of Medical Student Research and the Office of Research, and additional named awards are offered through individual departments and specialties. Current opportunities are listed below, and external funding is tracked in the MSR External Research Opportunities sheet linked in Canvas. Questions about eligibility or timing should go to evmsmsr@odu.edu.
  • MSR Travel Grant

The Travel Grant reimburses travel costs for students presenting at a conference. Applications are scored by the Travel Award Committee on a 25-point rubric covering four domains, and cycles run on a fixed calendar rather than rolling submission.

  • EVMS Community Faculty Designated Student/Resident/Fellow Research Travel Award

Up to eight awards of $1,500 are available each year to trainees presenting research at a regional, national, or international conference, and applicants must have an accepted abstract and a submission quality manuscript related to that research. Students must submit an Intent to Travel Form to the Office of Research (vhs-evmsresearch@odu.edu) before traveling. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and must be completed within two months of the travel and within the same fiscal year.

 

  • EVMS Community Faculty Designated Student/Resident/Fellow Research Publication Award

Up to ten awards of $500 are available each year to reimburse fees incurred while publishing, including submission fees, for trainees who have submitted a manuscript to a reputable academic journal. Students must submit an Intent to Publish Form to the Office of Research (vhs-evmsresearch@odu.edu) before applying. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and should be received no later than two months after the publication fees have been paid.

  • Summer Scholars Program

Summer Scholars is a nine-week mentored summer research experience for M1 students, with a $3,000 stipend, weekly lectures, presentation coaching, and a closing poster symposium. Applications open in the fall. Additional information can be found here.

  • Dr. Christopher J. Hogan Orthopedic Award

The Hogan Award supports expenses that advance a student's career in orthopedics, including conference travel, manuscript fees, research costs, away rotations, and educational modules. Applications are due Winter 2027.

  • FUTURES in Research Graduate Award

The FUTURES Award funds a mentored summer research project, with two stipends of $2,500 each plus $1,000 in travel support. The stipend is intended to support full-time research involvement across the summer months. Applications are due Winter 2027.

  • Plastic Surgery Summer Award

Up to two awards of $1,000 are available to students with a demonstrated interest in plastic and reconstructive surgery. The award is designed to give students early research exposure and faculty mentorship in the specialty.

Yes. Each MSR Travel Grant cycle is scored independently, so a student who is not funded may apply again in a later cycle as long as the travel date falls within that cycle's window. Your unfunded notice includes your application score, which is the best guide to what needs strengthening before you resubmit.

MSR will respond to all requests within 2-3 business days.

Compensation is neither required nor to be expected for participating in research projects. Specific internal/external grants may include student compensation/reimbursement, but varies depending on the funding source.

Stay connected to other medical students by joining the Research Society. Another way to connect with students is to join one of the many Specialty Interest Groups on campus, including:

  • Anesthesia
  • Dermatology
  • Emergency Medicine
  • EVMS Tech
  • Family Medicine
  • Informatics
  • Internal Medicine
  • Lifestyle Medicine
  • Med-Peds
  • Neurology
  • Neurosurgery
  • OB/GYN
  • Orthopedics
  • Otolaryngology
  • Pathology
  • Pediatrics
  • Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
  • Plastic Surgery
  • Psychiatry
  • Radiology
  • Surgery
  • Urology
  • Vascular Surgery


For any additional questions not covered below, please email us or call 757.446.5786.

Contact

Medical Student Research

P.O. Box 1980
Norfolk, VA 23501