Dr. Vivien Thomas was a renowned scientist best known for his work to develop a new cardiac surgery technique at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in the 1940s. Despite never having the opportunity to enroll in medical school or earn an advanced degree, Dr. Thomas spent his career as a pioneering research and surgical assistant. In 1976 he was awarded an honorary doctorate by Johns Hopkins University and named instructor of surgery in the School of Medicine.
Today, the Vivien Thomas Scholars Initiative (VTSI) honors Dr. Thomas’ legacy by establishing and strengthening pathways so that students from a broad range of academic backgrounds can pursue and receive PhDs in STEM fields at Johns Hopkins. Since its founding in 2021 through a $150 million effort backed by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the VTSI has welcomed 54 students – from more than 40 institutions across the United States – into PhD programs in 21 different disciplines across four Hopkins divisions.
Vivien Thomas Scholars must be accepted into a Johns Hopkins PhD STEM program through the regular rigorous and competitive application process and also go through an interview and selection process for the VTSI program. Scholars who have been accepted into both a PhD STEM program and the VTSI receive the financial support needed to ensure their success, including up to six years of full tuition support, a generous stipend, health insurance and other benefits, along with significant mentorship, research, professional development and community-building opportunities.
As America’s first research university, Johns Hopkins understands that in order to pursue our mission of science and discovery at the highest levels, we need to attract the best human talent in all of its dimensions and lived experiences. Through the VTSI, Johns Hopkins is committed to supporting the development of the next generation of transformational leaders in STEM.
Creating pathways for talented undergraduates to pursue PhDs in STEM fields is a centerpiece of the Vivien Thomas Scholars Initiative. Summer and post-baccalaureate research experiences, at JHU and elsewhere, have a remarkable record of nurturing interest among talented students to pursue high-level graduate training. The VTSI program provides new slots in Johns Hopkins STEM summer and post-baccalaureate programs for promising students from eligible institutions in the STEM training pathway.
Vivien Thomas Scholars go through rigorous application processes to be accepted into PhD programs across Johns Hopkins in addition to applying to be included in the VTSI program. VTSI scholars are currently pursuing studies in the following Hopkins programs: