How to apply for Global Health Emerging Scholars

About Yale University

Yale University runs this fellowship through a consortium of US institutions and partner sites in Africa, Latin America, Asia, and the Caribbean. The program is built on long-standing research relationships between US and LMIC institutions. Fellows work at established medical and research centers abroad, not in a classroom.

About the role

This is a 12-month mentored research fellowship for pre- and post-doctoral researchers. You conduct a research project on a health priority in a low- or middle-income country. You also complete structured training in Innovation Design, Rigor and Reproducibility, Leadership, and Data Science/AI. The goal is to prepare you for an independent research career in global health.

A typical day

A typical day depends on your project and site. You may collect or analyze data at an LMIC partner institution, meet with your US and LMIC mentors, and complete online or in-person modules in data science, AI, leadership, or research rigor. You also join network calls with other fellows and consortium faculty. Ask current fellows about the balance between fieldwork, coursework, and mentorship meetings.

Who Yale University is looking for

• Pre-doctoral trainee from the US or post-doctoral trainee from the US or a collaborating LMIC
• Has a research interest in health priorities of low- and middle-income countries
• Can commit to a 12-month full-time fellowship, including time at an LMIC partner site
• Wants mentorship from US consortium faculty and LMIC global health leaders
• Is prepared to complete training in data science, AI, leadership, and research rigor

Tips for this application

• Name the specific LMIC region or country where you want to work (Africa, Latin America, Asia, or the Caribbean) and explain why your research fits there.
• Identify one or two Yale consortium faculty or LMIC partner site researchers whose work relates to your project. Mention them in your application.
• Show how your proposed project addresses a health priority at an established medical or research institution, not a new or unaffiliated site.
• State clearly whether you are a pre-doctoral or post-doctoral applicant and confirm your eligibility based on your country of training.
• Explain how the four training areas (Innovation Design, Rigor and Reproducibility, Leadership, Data Science/AI) connect to your research plan.

What to cover in your cover letter

Describe your specific research question and the LMIC site where you would conduct it. Explain why you need this 12-month mentored fellowship to move toward an independent research career. Name the mentorship you seek from US consortium and LMIC partner faculty. Show how you will use the structured curriculum in data science, AI, leadership, and rigor to translate your project into impact.

Research before applying

• Find the list of US consortium institutions and LMIC partner sites for this fellowship. Note which sites match your region and research area.
• Read recent publications from Yale global health faculty and from the LMIC partner site you want to join.
• Look up the specific training curriculum for Innovation Design, Rigor and Reproducibility, Leadership, and Data Science/AI.
• Check whether past fellows in this program have published their fellowship research and where they are now.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Your proposed research project: the health priority, the LMIC site, and the study design.
• How you will work with both a US consortium mentor and an LMIC site mentor.
• Your plan for the 12-month timeline, including time at the partner institution.
• How the Data Science/AI and Innovation Design training will change your research approach.
• Your long-term goal for an independent research career in global health.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Proposing a research project that is not tied to a specific LMIC partner site or established institution.
• Applying without checking whether you are eligible as a pre-doctoral US trainee or a post-doctoral LMIC trainee.
• Treating the fellowship as a general global health experience instead of a mentored research training program with a defined project.