Global Health Equity Scholars Fellowship: Empowering Future Leaders in International Health Research

The Global Health Equity Scholars (GHES) program is a prestigious 12-month mentored research training fellowship that provides an incredible opportunity for pre- and post-doctoral trainees from the U.S. and low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) to gain hands-on experience conducting global health research at top institutions in 24 LMICs across the world.

Established in 2012, GHES aims to train the next generation of global health leaders and researchers to tackle complex health challenges in resource-limited settings.

If you are a dedicated scholar passionate about pursuing a career in global health and developing into an independent researcher, GHES could be the perfect launchpad for you.

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GHES Program Overview

Mission and Objectives

Global Health Equity Scholars Fellowship: 12-Month NIH-Funded Research Training in 17 Countries for Health Professionals

The core mission of GHES is to cultivate new communities of researchers, educators, and professionals equipped with the skills and knowledge to address emerging global health challenges, particularly those stemming from rapid urbanization and social inequities in informal settlements and slums.

Rather than focusing on a single disease, GHES takes a multidisciplinary, integrated approach to research training to tackle the complex web of health issues prevalent in these settings.

Key research areas supported by the program include:

• Delivering accessible, high-quality healthcare in resource-limited settings
• Efficient management of scarce resources
• Innovative solutions to improve health services
• Chronic and noncommunicable diseases
• HIV/STIs and other infectious diseases
• Environmental health
• Maternal and child health
• Intentional and unintentional injuries and trauma
• Mental health

Consortium Partners and Research Training Sites

GHES brings together four leading U.S. universities – Yale University, UC Berkeley, Stanford University, and the University of Arizona – which collectively have strong, long-standing research collaborations with 24 LMIC partner institutions representing Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, South and Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Oceania.

These diverse LMIC research training sites boast top-tier faculty, ongoing federally-funded research projects, and outstanding capacity for research oversight and ethical review.

GHES fellows receive dedicated mentorship from internationally-recognized global health leaders and faculty from both the U.S. consortium partners and LMIC sites to support their scientific and professional development.

Program Impact and Alumni Success

Since its inception in 2012, GHES has trained an impressive 176 fellows (86 from the U.S. and 72 from LMICs). The geographic distribution of fellowships has been:

• 48% in Africa
• 35% in Asia
• 17% in Latin America
• 2% in Eastern Europe

Notably, 20% of U.S. fellowships have been awarded to underrepresented minorities in the sciences.GHES has proven to be a powerful springboard for alumni, many of whom have gone on to secure grant funding, pursue careers as independent investigators, and take on roles in teaching, mentorship, and capacity building – with some even returning to GHES as mentors themselves.

The program fosters global connections and immerses fellows in robust research networks that set them up for long-term success.Eligibility and Application Process

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the GHES program, applicants must:

• Be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or permanent resident (for U.S. applicants)
• Hold a doctoral degree (PhD, MD, DDS, DVM, etc.) or be a current doctoral student (for U.S. applicants)
• Hold a doctoral degree (for LMIC applicants)
• Have a strong commitment to a career in global health research
• Identify a research project and mentor at an LMIC site
• Be willing to spend 12 months at the LMIC site (for U.S. applicants)
• Have proficiency in the language of the LMIC site

Application Components

A complete GHES application consists of the following components:

1. Online application form
2. Research proposal (2-3 pages)
3. Personal statement (1 page)
4. CV or NIH biosketch
5. Transcript (for pre-doctoral applicants)
6. Three letters of recommendation
7. Letter of support from LMIC mentor
8. LMIC site description
9. Budget and budget justification

Applicants are encouraged to work closely with their chosen LMIC mentor to develop a compelling research proposal that aligns with the health priorities of local stakeholders and leverages existing research infrastructure and partnerships at the site.

Application Timeline and Selection Process

The GHES application cycle typically opens in the fall, with a deadline in mid-December. After an initial eligibility screening, applications undergo a rigorous review process by a committee of global health experts from the U.S. consortium partners.Key criteria considered in the selection process include:

• Candidate’s academic and research qualifications
• Commitment to a career in global health research
• Quality and feasibility of the research proposal
• Strength of the mentorship plan and LMIC site
• Potential for the fellowship to launch the candidate’s global health research career

Finalists are invited for interviews in late January/early February, with final decisions announced by March. Selected fellows then work with their mentors and the GHES administrative team to prepare for deployment to their LMIC sites, typically in July or August.The GHES Fellowship Experience

Mentorship and Professional Development

At the heart of the GHES experience is the opportunity to work closely with dedicated mentors who are leaders in their fields. Each fellow is paired with a primary mentor at their LMIC site who provides guidance on the research project and helps the fellow navigate the local research environment and build collaborations.

Fellows also have a U.S. mentor, typically a faculty member from their home institution or one of the consortium partners, who offers additional scientific and career guidance. This unique dual-mentorship model ensures fellows receive well-rounded support throughout their fellowship year.

In addition to one-on-one mentorship, GHES provides a robust professional development curriculum covering topics such as research ethics, grant writing, scientific communication, and leadership skills.

Fellows participate in regular webinars, workshops, and networking events with their cohort and have access to a wide range of online learning resources.Research Projects and Deliverables

GHES fellows spend the majority of their 12-month fellowship working on an independent research project at their LMIC site.

Projects span a wide range of global health topics, from infectious disease epidemiology to health systems strengthening to implementation science.

While the specific deliverables vary by project, fellows are generally expected to:

• Develop and implement a research protocol
• Collect and analyze data
• Present findings at scientific conferences
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals
• Contribute to grant proposals to secure future funding
• Engage in capacity building activities at their LMIC site

Throughout the fellowship year, fellows receive regular feedback from their mentors and the GHES administrative team to ensure they are making progress toward their research and professional goals.Networking and Alumni Engagement

One of the most valuable aspects of GHES is the opportunity to build a global network of peers and mentors who share a passion for health equity. Fellows form close bonds with their cohort through regular virtual and in-person gatherings, often collaborating on research projects that extend beyond the fellowship year.

GHES also has a highly engaged alumni community, with former fellows serving as mentors, collaborators, and advocates for the program. Alumni are invited to participate in annual reunions, scientific symposia, and other networking events to stay connected with the GHES community and advance their careers.

Many GHES alumni have gone on to secure prestigious grants, such as NIH K awards and Fulbright scholarships, and to establish themselves as independent global health researchers. The program has a strong track record of launching successful careers in academia, government, non-profit organizations, and the private sector.

Conclusion

The Global Health Equity Scholars program is an unparalleled opportunity for aspiring global health researchers to gain the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to make a meaningful impact on health inequities worldwide.

Through hands-on research experience, dedicated mentorship, and a robust professional development curriculum, GHES fellows emerge as confident, independent investigators poised to become leaders in their fields.

If you are passionate about advancing health equity and ready to take your global health career to the next level, we encourage you to apply for the GHES program today.

With a commitment to excellence and a track record of success, GHES can help you unlock your full potential as a global health researcher and change-maker.