Submitting an Application:

We are no longer accepting applications. Applications for 2014-2015 will be available August 1, 2013.

Overall Eligibility:

The Northern Pacific Global Health Research Fellows Training Consortium is a partnership between the Universities of Hawaii, Michigan, and Minnesota and international partners in Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Cameroon, Peru, Thailand, and China.

The NIH Fogarty-funded Northern Pacific Global Health Research Fellows Training Consortium offers mentored clinical research training experiences in one of seven collaborating low- and middle income countries to post-doctoral trainees and doctoral students in the health professions who are U.S. citizens or citizens of our collaborating countries.

  • You must be a citizen of the United States or one of our seven collaborating countries.
  • You must have completed an advanced degree or training program within the last three years.

Common Questions:

For any additional questions regarding the overall program or eligibility, please contact: Nicole Hobbs (hobbsn@u.washington.edu or 1-206-897-6005).

For additional questions regarding submitting your application or supporting materials, please contact: Yolanda Thomas (ythomas@ficrsconsultant.com)

When can I apply?

Applications for 2014-2015 are available in Sept. 2013.


How many fellowship positions are available?

We anticipate having approximately 8-12 positions in 2013-14.


What is the selection process?

An External Advisory Committee will review all applications and a select number of trainees will be invited to interview for available positions. The consortium will announce the final selections by February 2013 and trainees will begin their experience in August 2013.


Can I apply to more than one consortium?

No, you should apply to the consortium that has the best program for your research interests.


Do I need to have a mentor selected when I apply to the fellowship?

Yes, the application will request information about your current mentorship and your plan for mentoring while you are in the training program. The Support Center can also help you find mentors and available projects in the country that you are interested in applying to.


I am not from an institution within the consortium; can I still apply?

Our consortium will be accepting applications from individuals from outside the consortium that are U.S. Citizens. However, preference will be given to applicants from institutions within the consortium.


I am not a U.S. citizen or a citizen of one of the six collaborating countries; can I still apply?

No.


I am an international applicant; does this training program allow me to conduct my research within the United States?

International applicants will conduct research within their home country and not the United States.


I am still in med school; can I apply for the fellowship?

Medical students should discuss their application with the Program Manager (Nicole Hobbs; hobbsn@uw.edu) prior to applying to the program.


If I am currently in another training program (T32, D43, etc.) can I apply to this fellowship?

Yes, trainees who are currently enrolled or who have completed a training program are eligible to apply. Individuals currently in training programs should discuss their application with the Program Manager (Nicole Hobbs; hobbsn@uw.edu) prior to applying to the program.


With regard to applicants from the T32 training programs (or other post-doctoral programs, do you or NIH recommend a specific amount of time for those who have graduated from such a program (e.g. within 1, 3 or 5 years of completing a program)?

Within 1-3 years would be good as we are looking for early career development.


What is the difference between a Fellow and a Scholar?

A Scholar is a classified as someone who has not received a doctoral degree (Pre-Doctoral trainee) and a Fellow is an individual who has received a doctoral degree (Post-Doctoral trainee).

    • If you have received a PhD or MD you are considered a Fellow.
    • If you have received a Bachelors or Masters degree but not a PhD or equivalent, you are a Scholar.
    • Fellow and Scholar determinations are made at the time the fellowship begins. For example an individual may be in a PhD program at the time of application (Oct.) but complete their degree in June. They would be considered a Fellow.


Can I create my own research project or do I need to work on one that is already established at the international site?

Trainees are expected to design their own research project but the project can be incorporated into research that is already taking place. For a list of available projects within each country, please review the links at the bottom of each country page.


Can I work on a project that is already established?

Yes, trainees should discuss the opportunities available with the Program Manager (Nicole Hobbs; hobbsn@uw.edu) and review the list of available opportunities that are listed on the bottom of each country page.


What do I receive if I am selected as a trainee in this program?

Trainees receive a stipend, funding for research supplies and materials, travel to/from their site for U.S trainees, and supplementary health insurance.


Is there any monetary compensation for Scholars and Fellows?

Each U.S. Scholar will receive a stipend of $20,000 USD and each U.S. Fellow will receive a stipend of $45,000 USD. Stipend amounts for international trainees are based on corresponding salaries for researchers within their home country.


What are the research funds for Scholars and Fellows?

Up to $7,500 for Scholars and up to $10,000 for Fellows.


Do I receive tuition assistance?

No, this Fellowship does not cover tuition.


Will trainees be covered under their current health insurance while on assignment abroad during the fellowship?

We will purchase a supplemental health insurance package that includes evacuation and emergency assistance for US trainees while they are in the program. We do not provide comprehensive medical insurance for all trainees.


If my spouse is accepted into the program, will I and our child(ren) be able to travel and stay abroad as well? What about health insurance for us?

Spouses and children are permitted to travel and stay abroad. The Support Center will only cover the cost of the trainee's insurance.


Will Scholars be able to return to the United States during their fellowship for holidays, family functions, or to visit?

Yes, however, to fulfill the program requirements, multiple trips to the U.S. are not advised, though medical and personal emergencies may require you to take leave from the site. In such cases, a written request to the Support Center must be made prior to travel. Whenever leaving the site for any reason (including weekends and holidays), trainees must inform their U.S. mentor, international mentor, and Support Center of their plans. The safety of trainees is our utmost concern and we need to know your location should any threat arise (weather, natural disasters, civil unrest, etc.). Leaving the training site without notifying your mentorship team is considered unacceptable behavior and could be grounds for dismissal.


If I am awarded a fellowship, will my student loans go into repayment?

Students who have medical education loans should be sure to contact their Financial Aid Officer in order to understand how taking time off from their medical education program may affect their status during the fellowship year regarding the repayment of their student loans.


Do I need to spend 11 consecutive months at my site? Example: I would like to be at my site for 6 months, return for one semester in the United States, and then return for 5 months to my site.

We require trainees to spend 11 consecutive months at their site. If trainees have unique situations that would prevent them from spending 11 consecutive months in country, they should discuss this with the Program Manager prior to applying to the program.


How many hours will I be required to work?

36 hours for 11 months.


I am going to Thailand/China/etc where English in not the native language. Do I need to speak their native language?

Although we do not have language requirements, we expect trainees to be able to communicate with the staff and research subjects that they will interact with.