Yale Global Health Emerging Scholars Program 2027–2028: Applications Open for NIH-Supported Research Training in 15 Countries

Applications are now open for the Global Health Emerging Scholars Program 2027–2028, an intensive, 12-month global health research training opportunity supported by the United States National Institutes of Health.

The program brings together emerging researchers, health professionals, experienced faculty members and established research institutions in the United States and selected low- and middle-income countries. Participants undertake full-time, mentored research intended to address major population-health challenges while developing the scientific, analytical and leadership capabilities required for long-term careers in global health.

The Global Health Emerging Scholars program is administered through a consortium comprising Yale University, Stanford University, the University of Arizona and the University of California, Berkeley. Its international research network currently covers 15 countries across Africa, South America, Asia, the Middle East and Oceania.

Applications for the 2027–2028 program must be submitted by October 1, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. United States Eastern Time. The official Stanford consortium page confirms that the upcoming program year is expected to run from July 2027 to June 2028. Applicants should account for time-zone differences and avoid waiting until the closing hours to submit their materials. See the official 2027–2028 announcement.

Key Program Details

• Program name: Global Health Emerging Scholars Program
• Participating U.S. universities: Yale University, Stanford University, University of Arizona and University of California, Berkeley
• Program year: 2027–2028
• Duration: 12 months
• Expected period: July 2027 to June 2028
• Commitment: Full-time, normally approximately 40 hours per week
• Training model: Mentored research, professional development and structured learning
• Research locations: Participating institutions in 15 low- and middle-income countries
• Application deadline: October 1, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
• Application method: Online through the Yale application portal
• Program support: Monthly stipend, research support and specified travel and training expenses
• Official program page: Yale Global Health Emerging Scholars Program
• Online application: Complete the GHES application

What Is the Global Health Emerging Scholars Program?

The Global Health Emerging Scholars Program provides intensive research training for individuals seeking to become productive, independent researchers and leaders in global health.

It is part of the Launching Future Leaders in Global Health Research Training Program, commonly known as LAUNCH. This wider initiative is sponsored by the Fogarty International Center and collaborating institutes and centers within the U.S. National Institutes of Health.

Rather than offering only classroom-based instruction, the program places participants within established medical and research institutions where they complete a defined research project under the supervision of experienced U.S. and LMIC faculty mentors.

The participating institutions have long-standing relationships developed through collaborative research, joint funding, academic partnerships and mentorship. These institutions also maintain research oversight, ethical-review systems and active research portfolios, creating an environment in which participants can receive practical guidance throughout the research process.

Mission and Purpose of the Program

The central mission of the program is to develop new communities of researchers, educators and professionals capable of responding to emerging global health challenges.

The program has historically paid particular attention to health problems associated with rapid urbanization, poverty, social inequalities and the expansion of informal settlements. These environments frequently face multiple interconnected challenges, including inadequate healthcare access, overcrowding, environmental hazards, infectious diseases, noncommunicable diseases and limited public resources.

Instead of addressing each disease or health condition in isolation, the program encourages a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach. Participants are expected to examine the social, environmental, economic, clinical and institutional factors that influence population health.

The program particularly encourages research that:

• Improves access to affordable and high-quality healthcare in resource-limited settings;
• Develops practical interventions for communities facing social and economic inequalities;
• Strengthens the management of scarce health resources;
• Improves the effectiveness of healthcare systems and services;
• Produces scalable solutions that can be implemented in real-world settings;
• Responds to health challenges created by rapid urbanization;
• Strengthens local research and institutional capacity; and
• Translates scientific evidence into measurable health improvements.

Supported Research Areas

Applicants may propose research across a broad range of global health disciplines. Areas identified by the program include, but are not limited to:

• Chronic and noncommunicable diseases;
• HIV, sexually transmitted infections and other infectious diseases;
• Environmental health;
• Maternal and child health;
• Health-system delivery and access;
• Mental health;
• Intentional and unintentional injuries;
• Trauma and emergency care;
• Urban health;
• Poverty and health inequalities;
• Resource management in healthcare;
• Implementation science;
• Population health interventions; and
• Innovative approaches to improving health services.

Applicants should select a research area that corresponds with the expertise and active research portfolio of their proposed training site. A strong application requires more than a broadly relevant idea: the project must also be feasible to implement and complete within the 12-month program period.

Structured Training Curriculum

The program combines mentored research with a structured curriculum intended to strengthen both technical and professional capabilities.

Innovation Design

Participants learn how to design practical and scalable solutions for real-world global health problems. This component emphasizes interventions that can function within the financial, institutional and operational limitations of resource-constrained settings.

Rigor and Reproducibility

This component focuses on high-quality research design, data integrity, ethical research practices and the production of findings that can be verified and reproduced. Fellows are expected to develop a strong understanding of reliable scientific methodology.

Leadership

Leadership training develops participants’ abilities in communication, collaboration, multidisciplinary teamwork and team science. These skills are especially important for global health researchers who must frequently work across institutions, cultures, professions and national boundaries.

Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

Participants are introduced to analytical tools and methods that support data-driven global health research. The inclusion of data science and artificial intelligence reflects the increasing importance of advanced analytics in public-health surveillance, research design, program evaluation and health decision-making.

Mentorship Development

The program also operates a Mentoring-the-Mentor initiative for alumni. This strengthens the program’s long-term mentorship network and enables former participants to support the professional development of future researchers.

Participating Research Countries

The current Yale research-site directory and eligibility page enumerate 15 participating countries.

Africa

• Burkina Faso
• Ethiopia
• Kenya
• Nigeria
• Senegal
• Tanzania
• Uganda

South America

• Colombia
• Ecuador
• Peru

South and Southeast Asia

• Bangladesh
• India
• Malaysia

Middle East

• Lebanon

Oceania

• Samoa

Applicants should not select a country solely because of geographical preference. They must identify a site where the available mentors, institutional resources and active research programs align with their proposed subject.

Main Applicant Streams

The program has three principal applicant streams: U.S. postdoctoral applicants, U.S. predoctoral applicants and eligible LMIC postdoctoral applicants.

U.S. Postdoctoral Applicants

U.S. postdoctoral applicants must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident;
• Hold a doctoral or qualifying health-professional degree by the beginning of the training period;
• Normally be within five years of completing their terminal doctoral degree;
• If applying with a health-professional degree, normally be within five years of completing clinical training;
• Have a professional relationship with an eligible GHES faculty mentor;
• Obtain the support of both a designated U.S. mentor and a designated LMIC mentor; and
• Be able to spend approximately 10 to 12 months at the selected LMIC research site.

Recognized qualifications include PhD, DrPH, MD, DO, DVM, DDS and other comparable doctoral or health-professional degrees.

A recently completed master’s degree does not restart the five-year eligibility period. If an applicant obtained the relevant terminal degree more than five years ago, completing a master’s degree within the last five years does not ordinarily make that person eligible.

U.S. Predoctoral Applicants

U.S. predoctoral applicants must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident;
• Be enrolled in a doctoral or qualifying health-professional degree program;
• Have passed the relevant qualifying examinations by the application date;
• Secure the required U.S. and LMIC mentor support;
• Be prepared to interrupt their formal studies when necessary to undertake full-time research; and
• Be able to spend approximately 10 to 12 months at the selected LMIC site.

Students in programs leading to qualifications such as a PhD, DrPH, MD, DO, DDS, DVM or another eligible doctoral or professional degree may be considered.

A predoctoral applicant who will complete the qualifying degree by July 1 of the program year may apply through the postdoctoral stream. If selected, the applicant must provide proof of degree completion before formally starting the program.

LMIC Postdoctoral Applicants

Applicants using the LMIC postdoctoral route must:

• Be citizens of one of the currently listed collaborating countries;
• Reside at or be connected to a participating research location;
• Hold a doctoral or qualifying health-professional degree at the time of application;
• Normally be within five years of completing the terminal degree or relevant clinical training;
• Be affiliated with a participating GHES medical or research institution, or have the required professional relationship with GHES-affiliated faculty;
• Obtain the endorsement of the designated U.S. and LMIC mentors; and
• Be able to devote the complete 12-month period to the program.

Eligible qualifications may include PhD, DrPH, MBBS, MBChB, MD, MMed, DVM, DDS and other comparable professional or doctoral qualifications.

LMIC applicants are not currently accepted for predoctoral placements. Master’s and undergraduate students are also not eligible.

Applicants should review the complete official GHES eligibility requirements before contacting mentors or developing a proposal.

Important Clarification for Applicants Outside the Four U.S. Universities

Yale’s current eligibility information states that U.S. citizens and permanent residents from any U.S. college or university may apply if they establish the required professional relationship with a GHES faculty mentor.

However, current consortium guidance also advises applicants outside Yale, Stanford, the University of Arizona and UC Berkeley to contact a program manager for approval or confirmation. Certain U.S. doctoral students may need to establish an affiliation, such as visiting-student status, with one of the consortium institutions.

Applicants outside the four participating universities should therefore obtain confirmation from the relevant program manager before investing substantial time in the application.

Applicants Who Are Not Eligible

According to the official program frequently asked questions, the following individuals are not currently eligible:

• Undergraduate students;
• Students enrolled only in a master’s program;
• LMIC-based doctoral students applying for a predoctoral position;
• International students in the United States who cannot provide proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence;
• LMIC applicants who cannot secure an affiliation or appointment with a participating research site;
• U.S. applicants who cannot spend the required period at an LMIC research site;
• Applicants who cannot commit themselves full-time for the complete program period; and
• Unaffiliated postdoctoral applicants who cannot secure an appropriate appointment or institutional arrangement through a GHES mentor.

Mandatory Mentorship Requirement

This is a mentored research training program. Applicants cannot independently submit a research idea and arrange mentorship after selection.

Every applicant must have:

1. A primary GHES U.S. mentor from Yale University, Stanford University, the University of Arizona or UC Berkeley; and
2. A primary GHES LMIC mentor affiliated with a participating research institution.

Additional mentors may be proposed, but the two designated primary mentors remain compulsory.

Applicants who already work with non-GHES mentors must obtain endorsement from the designated GHES mentors. The existing mentors must also be prepared to collaborate with the official mentor team.

Applicants should select mentors whose expertise, publications and ongoing research align with the proposed project. The mentors are expected to contribute to the proposal, training plan, research timeline and overall application.

Program Commitments

Selected participants must comply with demanding time and mobility requirements.

Full-Time Participation

The program requires a full-time commitment for 12 months. Full-time participation normally means approximately 40 hours of work per week and 100% professional effort devoted to the program.

Participants cannot maintain another full-time, temporary or part-time job during the program period.

LMIC Placement for U.S. Participants

U.S. participants must spend approximately 10 to 12 months at their selected LMIC research training site. Applicants who cannot relocate for this period should not apply.

U.S. Training Experience for LMIC Participants

LMIC participants undertake most of their work at their affiliated home-country site. They must also participate in a one- to three-month training experience at the university of their primary U.S. mentor.

This U.S. component should be designed around the participant’s specific learning needs and may include structured instruction, skills development, professional networking and mentoring.

NIH Orientation

All selected participants must attend a compulsory five-day orientation at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. The orientation is anticipated to take place in mid-July at the beginning of the program year.

Ongoing Mentor Supervision

Participants must work closely with both primary mentors throughout the year. Significant changes to the project or training plan must be discussed with and approved by both mentors before implementation.

Financial and Program Support

The official program information states that selected participants receive:

• A monthly stipend for 12 months;
• Funding for research-related expenses, including relevant laboratory supplies and reagents;
• International health insurance for U.S. participants;
• Required vaccinations for U.S. participants;
• Eligible visa and passport fees;
• Round-trip international travel to the training site for U.S. participants; and
• Travel and accommodation associated with the compulsory NIH orientation.

The precise stipend amount is not published on the current program page. Applicants should request the applicable rate from the relevant program manager.

Stipends may be taxable under U.S. or international tax laws. Participants should seek appropriate tax guidance based on their citizenship, residence and research location.

The program does not cover tuition or academic fees for an applicant’s doctoral degree.

Applicants who already receive another form of support may be considered for partial assistance. For example, the program may provide research and travel funding where an existing institutional award already covers the applicant’s stipend.

How to Apply

Applicants should begin preparing well in advance. Yale advises competitive candidates to allow at least six weeks for the process because identifying mentors and developing a realistic research proposal require substantial coordination.

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Carefully review the citizenship, degree, training-completion, institutional-affiliation and mobility requirements.

Step 2: Select a Research Area

Choose a research question relevant to the program’s mission and appropriate for completion within 12 months.

Step 3: Identify a Research Training Site

Review the participating countries, institutions, available mentors and research specialties. Select a site whose active research corresponds with your proposed project.

Step 4: Contact Potential Mentors

Approach suitable U.S. and LMIC mentors professionally. Applicants should be prepared to provide:

• A current curriculum vitae;
• An NIH biosketch;
• A short research-project abstract;
• A description of their research interests;
• The proposed research location; and
• An explanation of how their background aligns with the mentor’s work.

Step 5: Contact the Appropriate Program Manager

Once a U.S. mentor has been identified, notify the program manager at that mentor’s university. Program managers can explain requirements, assess possible eligibility issues and help connect applicants with faculty mentors.

Step 6: Develop the Research and Training Plans

Applicants should develop their proposal with substantial input from both mentors. The proposal should be scientifically sound, locally relevant, ethically appropriate and achievable within one year.

Step 7: Prepare the Supporting Documents

All required supporting documents should be completed, checked and converted into the requested formats before submission.

Step 8: Submit the Online Application

Submit the complete application through the official Yale online application portal no later than October 1, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

The portal can save a partially completed application using the applicant’s computer IP address. Applicants should avoid creating or submitting multiple applications.

Application Sections and Required Documents

The online application contains sections covering:

• Eligibility;
• Personal and contact information;
• Institutional affiliation and citizenship;
• Professional and academic background;
• Foreign-language capabilities;
• Research experience;
• Publications and conference abstracts;
• Career goals;
• Selected research site;
• U.S. and LMIC mentors;
• Mentorship plan;
• Training plan;
• Institutional Review Board approvals;
• Project timeline;
• Research proposal; and
• Supplemental documentation.

Predoctoral candidates must also provide an unofficial academic transcript.

Research Proposal

Applicants must follow the official proposal instructions exactly. Yale warns that proposals containing missing information or incorrect formatting will not be reviewed.

Letters of Recommendation and Support

Applicants must submit at least two and no more than three letters.

The required letters include:

• One letter from the primary U.S. mentor at Yale, Stanford, the University of Arizona or UC Berkeley; and
• One letter from the primary LMIC mentor at the proposed research site.

Each letter should:

• Appear on institutional letterhead;
• State the mentor’s name, position and institution;
• Include the mentor’s email address, telephone number and work address;
• Be addressed to the Global Health Emerging Scholars Fellowship Selection Committee;
• Be signed by the mentor; and
• Be uploaded as a scanned or saved PDF file.

Applicant NIH Biosketch

Applicants must upload an NIH Biographical Sketch Common Form completed and certified through SciENcv.

Since January 25, 2026, NIH no longer uses a separate fellowship-specific biosketch format. An ORCID identifier linked to the applicant’s eRA Commons profile is now required.

Mentor NIH Biosketches

Applicants must also upload Common Form NIH biosketches for their primary U.S. and LMIC mentors. These should likewise be completed and certified through SciENcv.

Applicants preparing an NIH biosketch for the first time are strongly encouraged to ask a mentor to review it before submission. Full requirements are available on the official application-process page.

Selection Process

Applications are initially reviewed and scored by an external panel. Reviewers assess five main areas:

1. The candidate’s potential to succeed as a GHES participant;
2. Aptitude for and interest in research;
3. Potential to build a career in global health;
4. The quality and feasibility of the research proposal; and
5. The strength of the mentoring and training plan.

The program’s principal investigators may conduct online interviews when additional assessment is necessary.

Final decisions are made by the GHES Executive Committee based on the complete application, research proposal, supporting documents, external reviews and numerical scores.

The first round of offers is expected to be issued in April 2027. A second round may be issued between May and June 2027. Successful applicants will normally receive an email followed by a formal award letter. Applicants who are not selected will also be informed by email. Review the official selection process.

What Makes a Competitive Application?

A strong applicant should begin preparing at least six weeks before the deadline and demonstrate:

• A consistent academic or professional interest in global health research;
• Relevant research, clinical, public-health or implementation experience;
• A clear commitment to a long-term career in global health;
• A focused and feasible research question;
• Strong alignment between the proposal and the selected research site;
• Evidence of meaningful engagement with both primary mentors;
• A realistic 12-month research and training plan;
• Awareness of the local context in which the research will take place;
• Appropriate consideration of ethics and regulatory approvals;
• Relevant publications, abstracts, technical work or research outputs where available;
• Suitable language skills or a credible plan for working in the selected setting; and
• A clear explanation of how the program will contribute to the applicant’s scientific independence and professional development.

Applicants should avoid submitting a generic proposal without prior mentor involvement. Mentor suitability, research experience, publication record and commitment to the applicant are directly considered during evaluation.

Program Impact

The program has operated since 2012 and has developed an international network of researchers, institutions and mentors.

As of summer 2026, Yale reports:

• 224 program alumni;
• 21 current participants;
• More than 707 peer-reviewed publications associated with alumni;
• An average of approximately three peer-reviewed publications per participant after completion;
• 75% of alumni working primarily in research;
• 10% working primarily in teaching; and
• 15% working primarily in clinical practice.

The program reports that alumni continue to work in global health research, education or practice. Many have secured competitive grants, progressed toward independent-investigator positions and assumed leadership roles in universities, government institutions and international health organizations.

Former participants also return as mentors, contributing to a continuing cycle of research-capacity development.

Contact Information

Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to communicate with the program manager associated with their proposed U.S. mentor:

• University of Arizona: Roxanna Apaez — rapaez@arizona.edu
• Yale University: Chelsea Evankow — chelsea.evankow@yale.edu
• Stanford University: Yosefa Gilon — ygilon@stanford.edu
• University of California, Berkeley: Maria Teresa Hernandez — mt_hernandez@berkeley.edu

Applicants can also consult the official GHES contact page.

Application Deadline

The deadline for the 2027–2028 program is:

October 1, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. United States Eastern Time.

Applications and supporting materials submitted after the deadline may not be considered. Applicants should complete the process early enough to resolve portal, document-formatting or mentor-letter issues before the closing time.

Conclusion

The Yale Global Health Emerging Scholars Program 2027–2028 offers an intensive pathway for qualified doctoral researchers and health professionals seeking to build long-term careers in global health research.

Its combination of full-time field research, dual-country mentorship, structured scientific training, leadership development, data science, research funding and access to an established international consortium makes it a significant opportunity for emerging researchers.

However, the application is demanding. Eligibility is restricted by citizenship or permanent-residence status, degree level, time since completing the qualifying degree, institutional affiliation, mentor endorsement and the ability to commit fully for 12 months. Applicants should verify every requirement, identify compatible mentors and begin preparing their research proposal and NIH documentation at least six weeks before the deadline.

Interested candidates should review the official Yale program website, confirm their eligibility and submit the online application by October 1, 2026.

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