Visiting Scholars Program (VSP)

VSP provides should-to-shoulder research collaborations and training in the state-of-the-art tools and approaches with WFIRM scientists in the field of regenerative medicine that address real-world clinical needs. An alignment of interests between visiting scholars and WFIRM researchers contributes to the richness of the experience for visiting scholars as well as providing valuable contributions to advancing both the field and the intellectual life of the visiting scholar and their respective host institution, WFIRM faculty, staff and students.

Collaboration is possible in a wide range of areas including biomaterials, cell and molecular biology, physiology, biomedical engineering, controlled release systems, biochemistry, stem cells and their progenitors, and gene therapy, and tissue engineering.

Visiting scholars are welcome to participate fully in the intellectual life of WFIRM and will participate in a variety of didactic activities, attend regenerative medicine seminars to learn more about the different areas of the field.

Successful VSP applicants are responsible for their own financial arrangement, including travel, housing and visa processing fees. 

The VSP provides short-term, scientific training and research rotations for eligible applicants. Visiting scholars work closely with and learn from their jointly selected faculty mentor on topics of mutual interest for a 3-month period. The short-term research rotations occur each Fall and Spring. Specific program dates, deadlines and notification regarding acceptance are provided in the table below. The Visiting Scholar designation is dependent upon individuals securing a J-1 visa.

Program Cycle and Dates	E-Applications Open	Deadline E-Application Submission	E-Notification of Application Acceptance
Spring 2024 April 8 - June 14, 2024	October 15, 2023	December 30, 2023	January 30, 2024
Fall 2024 September 30 - December 6, 2024	April 15, 2024	June 30, 2024	July 30, 2024

The VSP is open to outstanding national and international scientists, clinicians and physician-scientists (ranging from MS, PhD, MD, postdoctoral fellows to established senior investigators) who express strong interest in regenerative medicine research. Previous research experience in a biological and /or regenerative medicine laboratory is highly desirable, but not required.

Wake Forest Properties
Furnished properties available between 3 to 5 miles of the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, which is located in Downtown Winston Salem. Free parking is also available at all of the housing options. Houses contain single occupancy bedrooms with furnished living areas. Rent is $710/month (pro-rated for partial month) or roughly $1,775 for a 10-week period. These housing options provide the opportunity to live among summer student and visiting scholar peers but also maintain privacy with single bedrooms. For current rental rate, please visit Wake Forest Properties or contact Hope Jordan at 336-758-7161 or jordanha@wfu.edu.

Wake SHIP (Summer Housing Intern Program) - Summer Scholars Only

Rental and Property Management with Amy Young
For the past few years, we have been fortunate to enlist the services of a former Wake Forest alumni, Amy Young, who also manages furnished properties available to graduate students/medical students/visiting professionals. Price range between $470-$590/month and possibly few master bedrooms with private bathrooms around $650/month, utility and wifi included with all. For information and details regarding options, please email Amy Young, Beecherri@yahoo.com or call 336-671-0289.

Long-term Rentals and Other Summer Resources

Wake Forest School of Medicine, Local housing options
The Wake Forest School of Medicine provides a listing service for local landlords and individuals to list privately owned rental properties and rooms for rent in Winston-Salem.

Wake Forest University, Graduate School, Housing resources
Includes links to off-campus rental options and rooms for rent. Click “Individual Listings”.

Wake Forest University, Housing resources
Includes links to off-campus rental options near Reynolda campus.

Downtown Winston-Salem Hotels

Hawthorne Inn and Conference Center
Extended stay rates for program participants: $55/night for a standard room with 2 double beds $69/night for a 1 bedroom suite which includes a kitchenette.

Fairfield Inn & Suites Winston Salem Downtown

Winston-Salem Marriott

Embassy Suites Winston-Salem

Brookstown Inn

Shuttle Information

Reynolda Campus Shuttle Line
Offers shuttle service in and around Wake Forest, Reynolda Campus.

Intercampus and Downtown Shuttle Line
Offers shuttle service between Reynolda Campus and Bowman Gray (Medical) Campus, as well as downtown (WFIRM is located downtown in the Research Park Area). 

Self Transportation

Winston-Salem downtown area is a walking friendly town; however, many people may prefer to have access to their own transportation. Parking is provided to participants at WFIRM and at each of the housing properties suggested. Nearly every cycle, members frequently ride share.

Ride-Share and Roommate Assistance

Upon successful selection and acceptance into the program, all WFIRM Visiting Scholars will be invited to sign-up for assistance in finding a potential roommate amongst the group of scholars. Participating scholars will also be invited to sign-up for ride-share. Each year, typically half of the cohort of 16-20 scholars bring their own transportation — with many carpooling each day to WFIRM.