Spit for Science^TM the VCU Student Survey is an effort led by researchers at VCU to create a university-wide research opportunity for VCU students.

Previous Spit for Science participants are invited to participate again this spring and provide a DNA (saliva) sample for additional compensation ($20).

The scientific focus of the project is to understand why some people are more likely than others to develop problems associated with the use of alcohol and other substances, and difficulties with emotional health. The project aims to understand how individual predispositions come together with environmental factors to contribute to these outcomes. 

We know that 1 in 4 people over the age of 18 are affected by substance use or mental health problems. This project is an opportunity for students at VCU to work together with some of the leading researchers in the world to try and understand and prevent these important and widespread problems. We then use the findings from the project to feed back into programming at VCU to benefit our VCU students and community.

• S4S Student Research Opportunities - Spit for Science is seeking applications for its Fall '23 undergraduate research class and also its addiction research fellowship program. Students from all majors, regardless of previous research experience, are invited to apply. For more details please see our S4S Fall 2023 Flyer and S4S NIDA Fellowship opportunity info sheet. Contact Dr. Adkins (adkinsae@vcu.edu) with any questions. Applications due by April 19th.

• NEW! Spit for Science Follow-Up Survey for VCU Sophomores & Juniors  Are you a sophomore or junior at VCU who took part in the Spit for Science Survey last year?  If so, check your inbox for a follow-up survey invitation.  If you complete the survey, you’ll receive a $15 e-gift card as compensation for your time. AND, if you provide a saliva DNA sample, you’ll receive additional $20 e-gift card. Please contact us at spit4Science@vcu.edu with any questions.