Vanderbilt University has joined with Barry University, Illinois State University, Fisk University, Florida A&M University, Tennessee State University, and the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez in an initiative to increase the number of underrepresented minorities entering careers in biomedical research. Master of Science (M.S.) students of African-American, Native American, Hispanic or Mexican American descent, who are either US citizens or permanent residents, are encouraged to apply. Non-partner eligible minority M.S. students may join pending agreement from their home institution.

Paul Lizardi, a Puerto Rican researcher and Professor of Pathology, Molecular Biochemistry and Biophysics at Yale University, was recognized by the journal Nature Biotechnology as one of the personalities who have made the most significant contributions to biotech innovation in the last 10 years.