At VALIANT, we recognize that the frontier of artificial intelligence is best navigated with a compass of diverse expertise. The AI Scholars Program is our commitment to cultivating predoctoral talent who are at the intersection of foundational AI discovery and domain-specific innovation.
Become an AI Scholar
Are you ready to lead the AI revolution? If you’re a predoctoral or postdoctoral trainee passionate about the confluence of AI and domain-specific research, we invite you to apply for the AI Scholars Program. Embark on a journey of discovery, innovation, and real-world impact with VALIANT.
- Academic Status:
- You must be a trainee currently enrolled in an academic program. This includes postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and undergraduate students.
- Connection to Vanderbilt:
- You do not need to be a Vanderbilt student, but you must have a tangible connection to Vanderbilt or the broader mid-Tennessee AI alliance. Eligible connections include:
- Being a postdoc, graduate student, or undergraduate student at Vanderbilt
- Being a postdoc, graduate student, or undergraduate student affiliated with institutions in the Middle TN AI alliance
- Serving as a visiting scholar, observer, or an academic/research advisor at Vanderbilt
- You do not need to be a Vanderbilt student, but you must have a tangible connection to Vanderbilt or the broader mid-Tennessee AI alliance. Eligible connections include:
- Research Scope:
- Your research must integrate AI innovations with practical applications. It should neither be solely focused on AI methodologies nor exclusively on basic/applied sciences without any AI component.
- Mentorship Requirements:
- Dual mentorship is a cornerstone of the AI Scholars Program. You must be guided by two mentors:
- An AI Mentor who specializes in the design, optimization, and operation of AI technologies
- A Domain Mentor who provides expertise in a relevant basic science or applied science field
- These mentors must be distinct individuals, and you may have additional mentors if required
- If you would like help identifying a second mentor, please reach out to us
- Dual mentorship is a cornerstone of the AI Scholars Program. You must be guided by two mentors:
Dual Mentorship Advising
In this interdisciplinary voyage, dual mentorship is not just a requirement; it’s a keystone. Every AI Scholar is guided by two North Stars:
- A technical/AI mentor, providing robust training in cutting-edge AI methodologies and fostering analytical acumen.
- A domain expertise mentor, ensuring the Scholar’s work is grounded in, and contributing to, their chosen field of study.
This tandem of perspectives ensures our Scholars develop a holistic, nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities within AI.
Onboarding and Summer School
The journey begins with an immersive onboarding experience. Our Summer School is an intensive program designed to acclimate Scholars to the AI landscape, equipping them with the foundational knowledge and tools necessary for success in their research endeavors.
Training Grant Mentorship
We support our Scholars through mentorship in obtaining prestigious training grants, such as the NIH K and F awards. This mentorship extends beyond grant writing to include advice on career development, network building, and navigating the academic landscape.
Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Mentorship
Innovation doesn’t end with discovery. Our Scholars are mentored in intellectual property strategy and technology transfer to ensure their work has a path to make a real-world impact. From patenting processes to commercialization, we guide our AI Scholars in transforming their research into societal solutions.