Applications are now open for the 2026–2027 Global Health Emerging Scholars (GHES) Fellowship, a fully mentored 12-month global health research training programme designed to support emerging researchers working to address health inequities and improve population health worldwide.
Supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the GHES Fellowship provides advanced research training, mentorship, and international collaboration opportunities for pre-doctoral, post-doctoral, and post-professional trainees from the United States and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
The application deadline is 1 October 2026.
About the Global Health Emerging Scholars (GHES) Fellowship
The Global Health Emerging Scholars (GHES) Fellowship is a competitive research training programme focused on preparing the next generation of global health researchers.
The fellowship supports scholars conducting research that addresses major global health challenges, including:
- Health inequalities
- Infectious diseases
- Noncommunicable diseases
- Environmental health challenges
- Maternal and child health
- Mental health
- Healthcare access
- Health systems strengthening
- Innovative solutions for resource-limited settings
The programme provides fellows with opportunities to work with leading researchers across the United States and partner institutions in low- and middle-income countries.
Fellowship Host Institutions
The GHES Fellowship is hosted through a consortium of leading universities, including:
- Yale University
- Stanford University
- University of Arizona
- University of California, Berkeley
The fellowship collaborates with research training sites across multiple LMICs, providing scholars with opportunities for international research engagement and mentorship.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows receive access to:
- 12 months of mentored global health research training
- Guidance from leading global health researchers
- Research development support
- International research collaboration opportunities
- Professional development training
- Exposure to global health research networks
The fellowship year typically runs from July to June.
Who Can Apply?
The GHES Fellowship welcomes applications from emerging researchers at different career stages.
Pre-Doctoral Applicants
Eligible candidates include:
- Students enrolled in a PhD or equivalent research doctoral programme
- Health professional students who wish to pause their studies for full-time research training before completing their degree
Post-Doctoral and Post-Professional Applicants
Applicants must have completed a doctoral-level qualification before the fellowship start date.
Eligible degrees include:
- PhD
- MD
- DDS
- DrPH
- DVM
- PharmD
- MBBS
- MBChB
- Nursing research doctorates
- Other comparable doctoral qualifications
Postgraduate clinical trainees who wish to undertake full-time research training may also apply.
Mentorship Requirements
GHES is a mentored fellowship programme, and applicants must apply with support from designated mentors.
Applicants are required to have:
A Primary US Mentor
The mentor must be affiliated with one of the GHES participating US universities:
- Yale University
- Stanford University
- University of Arizona
- University of California, Berkeley
A Primary LMIC Mentor
The applicant must also identify a mentor from a GHES collaborating research institution in an eligible LMIC.
Applicants should select mentors whose research interests align with their proposed research project.
Research Areas
GHES encourages applications focused on research addressing urgent global health challenges.
Priority areas include:
Health Inequities and Health Systems
Research on:
- Improving healthcare access
- Strengthening health systems
- Healthcare delivery in resource-limited settings
- Efficient management of healthcare resources
Infectious Diseases
Including:
- HIV/STIs
- Emerging infectious diseases
- Disease prevention strategies
Noncommunicable Diseases
Research may include:
- Chronic diseases
- Cancer
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Diabetes
Environmental and Planetary Health
Including:
- Climate-related health impacts
- Environmental risks
- Sustainable health solutions
Maternal and Child Health
Research addressing:
- Pregnancy outcomes
- Child health
- Health service delivery
Mental Health and Injury Prevention
Including:
- Mental health challenges
- Trauma
- Intentional and unintentional injuries
Application Process
Applicants should follow these steps:
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Review programme requirements to ensure you meet the criteria for pre-doctoral, post-doctoral, or post-professional training.
Step 2: Identify Research Area
Applicants should select a research topic aligned with GHES priorities and their professional goals.
Step 3: Select Training Site and Mentors
Applicants must identify:
- A GHES US mentor
- A GHES LMIC mentor
Mentors should support the applicant’s proposed research project.
Step 4: Prepare Application Materials
Required documents include:
- Online application form
- Research proposal
- Letters of recommendation
- Applicant NIH biosketch
- Mentor NIH biosketches
- Academic documents where applicable
Required Application Documents
Research Proposal
Applicants must submit a detailed research proposal following GHES formatting requirements.
Proposals that do not meet required guidelines may not be reviewed.
Letters of Recommendation
Applicants must provide between two and three recommendation letters.
Required letters include:
- Letter from GHES US mentor
- Letter from GHES LMIC mentor
Letters must:
- Be written on institutional letterhead
- Include mentor contact information
- Be addressed to the GHES Fellowship Selection Committee
- Be signed by the mentor
- Be uploaded as PDF documents
NIH Biosketch
Applicants must submit an NIH Biographical Sketch using the NIH Common Form through SciENcv.
Mentors must also provide NIH biosketches.
Applicants are encouraged to work with mentors when preparing these documents.
Application Deadline
Deadline: 1 October 2026
Applications should be submitted early to allow sufficient time for mentor review and completion of required documents.
Opportunity Summary
Programme: Global Health Emerging Scholars (GHES) Fellowship 2026–2027
Duration: 12 Months
Funding Support: NIH-supported
Field: Global Health Research
Eligible Applicants:
- Pre-doctoral trainees
- Post-doctoral researchers
- Post-professional trainees
Regions:
- United States
- Low- and middle-income countries
Research Areas:
- Global health
- Health equity
- Disease prevention
- Health systems
- Climate and environmental health
- Maternal and child health
- Mental health
Application Deadline:
1 October 2026
