The Hertz Foundation, in partnership with the Gates Foundation, offers the Hertz Fellowship in Global Health and Development, a prestigious programme that gives Hertz Fellows the opportunity to gain practical experience addressing some of the world’s most pressing global health and development challenges.
Supported through a USD 5 million grant from the Gates Foundation, the partnership has already funded 17 Hertz Fellows, providing them with immersive summer internships that combine scientific research, technological innovation, and real-world problem-solving. The programme is designed to prepare the next generation of scientific leaders by exposing them to global development initiatives while expanding the impact of their graduate research.
About the Fellowship
The Hertz Fellowship in Global Health and Development extends the traditional Hertz Fellowship by offering selected fellows the opportunity to complete two fully funded summer internships within the Gates Foundation’s Global Health or Global Development programmes.
The internships allow fellows to work alongside leading experts tackling challenges such as infectious diseases, public health, global development, agricultural innovation, and other issues affecting vulnerable populations worldwide.
The programme reflects the shared commitment of both foundations to advancing science and technology for the benefit of society while developing future leaders capable of delivering innovative solutions to global challenges.
Programme Overview
Successful fellows participate in:
- Two summer internships at the Gates Foundation.
- Internship placements within the Global Health or Global Development programmes.
- Internship durations of 11 to 12 weeks each.
- The first internship beginning during the summer following selection.
- Practical experience working on high-impact global development initiatives.
Participants gain direct exposure to international development programmes while applying their scientific expertise in multidisciplinary environments.
Financial Benefits
The Gates Foundation provides comprehensive financial support throughout the internship period.
Successful fellows receive:
- Full salary compensation during each internship.
- Corporate housing support.
- Travel reimbursement for internship-related travel.
- Access to world-class research and development environments.
These benefits allow participants to focus entirely on their professional development and research contributions during the internship.
Eligibility Requirements
The opportunity is available exclusively to eligible Hertz Fellows.
Applicants must:
- Be an in-school Hertz Fellow.
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Have at least one remaining semester of graduate study after completing their final summer internship.
Prospective Hertz Fellowship applicants who wish to participate immediately after being selected may indicate their interest during the Hertz Fellowship application process and discuss the opportunity during the finalist stage.
Internship Experience
Throughout the programme, fellows work alongside experts from one of the world’s leading philanthropic organizations focused on improving global health and development.
Interns have opportunities to:
- Contribute to global health initiatives.
- Support international development programmes.
- Learn from leading scientists and policy experts.
- Apply scientific research to real-world challenges.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
- Develop professional networks across research and development sectors.
- Strengthen leadership and problem-solving skills.
The internships are designed to complement graduate education by providing practical experience that extends beyond academic research.
Selection Process
The selection process involves both the Hertz Foundation and the Gates Foundation.
The application process includes:
- Submission of applications to the Hertz Foundation between December and March.
- Initial screening by the Hertz Foundation.
- Nomination of shortlisted candidates to the Gates Foundation.
- Interviews conducted by the Gates Foundation.
- Final internship decisions communicated directly to candidates within approximately four weeks after interviews.
Only applicants who successfully complete both stages of the selection process will receive internship offers.
Fellowship Benefits
The programme offers numerous professional and academic advantages.
Participants benefit from:
- Hands-on experience addressing complex global health and development challenges.
- Exposure to innovative scientific and technological solutions.
- Mentorship from Gates Foundation experts.
- Opportunities to contribute to projects with global impact.
- Enhanced professional networks.
- Practical experience that complements graduate research.
- Career development within one of the world’s leading philanthropic organizations.
The partnership enables fellows to broaden their understanding of how science, innovation, and policy intersect to improve lives globally.
About the Gates Foundation
Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Gates Foundation works to improve health, reduce inequality, and create opportunities for people around the world.
In low- and middle-income countries, the Foundation collaborates with governments, research institutions, and development partners to advance health, agriculture, education, and economic opportunity. In the United States, it supports initiatives that expand access to education and create opportunities for individuals and communities with limited resources.
Through this partnership with the Hertz Foundation, the Gates Foundation continues investing in future scientific leaders capable of developing innovative solutions to global challenges.
Why This Fellowship Matters
The Hertz Fellowship in Global Health and Development bridges academic research and practical global impact by giving emerging scientists firsthand experience working on issues affecting millions of people worldwide.
By combining advanced graduate education with real-world implementation experience, the programme prepares fellows to become leaders in science, technology, public health, engineering, and international development. Participants gain valuable insight into how cutting-edge research can be translated into practical solutions that improve lives and strengthen communities across the globe.
For graduate researchers interested in using science and innovation to address global development challenges, this fellowship offers an exceptional opportunity to build technical expertise, expand professional networks, and contribute meaningfully to international health and development initiatives.
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY
