Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health Program with GBHI Fully Funded Fellowship.
The Global Brain Health Institute is inviting applications for the Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health for the 2025–2026 academic cycle. This highly competitive, fully funded fellowship is designed for emerging leaders from around the world who are committed to addressing dementia-related challenges and advancing fairness in brain health outcomes within their communities.
The fellowship is jointly delivered by Trinity College Dublin in Ireland and the University of California, San Francisco in the United States. It offers an intensive, year-long experience that combines academic instruction, structured mentorship, and applied practice. Fellows work closely with leading experts across neuroscience, public health, policy, ethics, and advocacy, building the capacity needed to influence brain health initiatives at both local and global levels.
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Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health Program with GBHI Fully Funded Fellowship
The Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health program brings together professionals from a diverse range of disciplines into a growing international community focused on improving cognitive health and quality of life for aging populations. Participants become part of a global network of more than 260 fellows representing over 60 countries. The program is one of seven initiatives within the wider Atlantic Fellows ecosystem, all of which aim to promote more just, inclusive, and healthier societies.
The fellowship is open to individuals from fields such as healthcare, public policy, research, arts and culture, economics, media, education, and community development. Successful applicants typically demonstrate strong leadership potential, original thinking, and a clear commitment to social impact in the area of brain health.
Program Structure and Experience
Fellows undertake a full-time, twelve-month residency at either Trinity College Dublin or the University of California, San Francisco. The placement is fully funded and designed to provide deep exposure to academic, clinical, and policy-driven approaches to brain health. Participants benefit from collaboration with international peers, experienced mentors, and multidisciplinary faculty members working across research, clinical care, and advocacy environments.
The dual-campus structure allows fellows to draw on the strengths and resources of both institutions, offering a broad perspective on global brain health challenges. The curriculum spans key areas such as neurology, epidemiology, health systems, ethics, leadership, research design, and creative practice. Leadership development is a core component, with interactive workshops focused on communication, influence, and advocacy.
Fellows also gain practical insight through supervised clinical observations and participatory learning experiences. Each participant receives individualized mentorship tailored to their professional goals and proposed brain health initiatives. In addition, fellows may access pilot funding of up to twenty-five thousand dollars to support community-based or research-driven projects aligned with the program’s mission.
Upon completion, participants are awarded a Certificate in Equity in Brain Health from their host institution and become lifelong members of the Atlantic Fellows alumni network, enabling continued collaboration and knowledge exchange worldwide.
Key Advantages of the Fellowship
The program offers a blend of academic rigor and practical application, equipping fellows with advanced skills in dementia care, health equity, advocacy, leadership, research methods, and grant development. Participants benefit from structured mentorship, professional guidance, and financial support to design and implement innovative projects within their communities. The global fellowship network provides long-term opportunities for collaboration, shared learning, and collective impact beyond the fellowship year.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants are expected to demonstrate evidence of leadership or meaningful impact within their professional or local communities.
Candidates must be able to commit to a full-time, in-residence program at either Trinity College Dublin or UCSF for the duration of one year.
A clear and feasible plan for community engagement or a pilot initiative aligned with brain health equity goals is required.
Applicants should show creativity and innovative thinking in addressing brain health challenges, particularly in underserved or vulnerable populations.
Fluency in English is essential, as is possession of a relevant academic qualification or professional background.
Candidates must also be willing and eligible to meet international travel, visa, and residency requirements.
Application Requirements
Prospective fellows are required to complete an online application through the Global Brain Health Institute portal.
Supporting documents include an up-to-date curriculum vitae outlining educational background and professional achievements, as well as written statements explaining motivation, career goals, and alignment with the fellowship’s objectives.
Two letters of endorsement are also required, preferably from employers or institutional partners who can speak to the applicant’s leadership capacity and long-term commitment to community impact.
Applicants should ensure referees are informed in advance, provide accurate contact details, and follow all submission instructions carefully.
Recommendation letters are submitted through an automated system after the main application is completed.
Conclusion
The Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health program for 2025–2026 is more than an academic opportunity. It is a global initiative dedicated to reshaping how societies understand and address dementia and brain health inequities. Fellows emerge with the expertise, support, and international network needed to influence policy, lead innovative programs, and create sustainable change.
For individuals driven by purpose, curiosity, and a desire to improve brain health outcomes worldwide, this fellowship offers a unique pathway to meaningful and lasting impact.
