Implementation Research Leadership Fellowship Programme for Public Health

Deadline: 30-Jan-2026

The Implementation Research (IR) Leadership Fellowship Programme for Public Health Impact at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Indonesia, is a fully funded, in-person fellowship for professionals from low- and middle-income countries. Running for six months from May 2026, the programme builds leadership capacity in implementation research to influence public health policy, practice, and outcomes across priority global health challenges.

The Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, is inviting applications for the Implementation Research (IR) Leadership Fellowship Programme for Public Health Impact for the 2026/2027 academic year.

This prestigious fellowship is part of TDR’s Postgraduate Training Scheme and Research Training Centres and is designed to strengthen leadership in implementation research among professionals working on critical public health challenges in low- and middle-income countries.

Programme Purpose and Objectives

The fellowship aims to:

• Build innovative leadership in implementation research

• Strengthen public health institutions’ ability to generate evidence for action

• Create a collaborative network of IR leaders from low- and middle-income countries

• Influence health policy and practice through applied research

The programme addresses global health challenges such as:

• Infectious diseases of poverty

• Treatment resistance

• Epidemics and disease outbreaks

• Health impacts of climate change

Funding and Institutional Partners

The fellowship is funded by TDR and co-sponsored by:

• United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)

• United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

• World Bank

• World Health Organization (WHO)

The programme is hosted by Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and delivered fully in person, in English.

Fellowship Structure and Duration

• Duration: 6 months

• Start date: May 2026

• Mode: Fully in-person

• Location: Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Fellows from different professional backgrounds work in parallel and collaboratively, strengthening leadership skills while addressing real-world implementation research challenges.

Fellowship Streams

The programme offers two distinct but collaborative streams.

1. Research and Academia Leadership Stream

Designed for individuals pursuing careers in academia and implementation research, with a focus on:

• Research leadership

• Academic outputs

• Large-scale IR project design

• Scientific dissemination

2. Public Health Programme Leadership Stream

Designed for public health practitioners in managerial or leadership roles, focusing on:

• Programme design and implementation

• Policy engagement

• Data analysis and evaluation

• Translating evidence into practice

Fellows from both streams collaborate to strengthen stakeholder engagement and cross-sectoral problem-solving.

Fellowship Benefits and Financial Support

The fellowship is fully funded and includes:

• Return economy airfare to Indonesia

• Medical and accident insurance

• Monthly stipend based on local living costs

• Funding for implementation research project expenses in the fellow’s home country

• Indonesian language course

• Travel and accommodation support for training, conferences, and networking activities

This comprehensive package ensures fellows can fully focus on leadership development and research impact.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Applicants must meet all mandatory eligibility criteria, including:

• Citizenship and residency in a low- or middle-income country

• Country must be in the WHO South-East Asia, Western Pacific, or Eastern Mediterranean Regions

• Under 40 years of age at the time of application

• Currently employed at:

  • A university or research institution

  • A Ministry of Health

  • A public health institution

• Demonstrated interest in developing leadership in implementation research

Stream-Specific Academic and Professional Requirements

Research and Academia Stream

Applicants must:

• Hold an MPH or M.Sc. in Implementation Research

• Hold a PhD in public health or an MD

• Have at least three years of research experience

• Have relevant publications, including at least one peer-reviewed IR-related article

Public Health Practitioners Stream

Applicants must:

• Hold an MPH or equivalent qualification

• Have at least three years of experience in programme management

• Demonstrate involvement in:

  • Programme development or implementation

  • Monitoring and evaluation

  • Data analysis or policy-related work

Additional Mandatory Requirements

All applicants must:

• Submit a stream-specific implementation research proposal

• Demonstrate English language proficiency as defined by the programme

• Provide evidence of approved study leave

• Identify a mentor

• Consent to meet host-country health requirements

Application Requirements

A complete application must include:

• One-page motivation letter

• Stream-specific IR proposal

• Curriculum vitae (including publications, where applicable)

• Identification of a mentor

• Two letters of reference

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Key Dates and Timeline

• Application deadline: 30 January 2026

• Selection results announced: 30 March 2026

• Acceptance confirmation deadline: Within 3 calendar days of notification

• Fellowship start: May 2026

Why This Fellowship Matters

Implementation research plays a critical role in bridging the gap between evidence and real-world public health action.

This fellowship strengthens leadership capacity in regions facing the highest disease burden, enabling professionals to design, implement, and scale solutions that directly improve health systems, policies, and outcomes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Applying to the wrong fellowship stream

• Submitting a generic or poorly aligned IR proposal

• Missing required documents or references

• Failing to demonstrate leadership potential or career alignment

• Submitting applications after the deadline

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who can apply for this fellowship?

Professionals under 40 from eligible low- and middle-income countries in specific WHO regions who meet academic, professional, and employment requirements.

Is the fellowship fully funded?

Yes. The fellowship covers travel, insurance, stipend, training-related costs, and research expenses.

Is the programme conducted online or in person?

The fellowship is conducted fully in person at Universitas Gadjah Mada in Indonesia.

What is implementation research?

Implementation research focuses on understanding how to effectively apply evidence-based interventions in real-world health systems and community settings.

Can applicants choose their fellowship stream?

Yes. Applicants must apply to the stream that best matches their academic background and professional experience.

Is teaching required during the fellowship?

Teaching is not a core requirement, but fellows are expected to contribute to research, policy, leadership activities, and dissemination outputs.

Are applications from all backgrounds welcome?

Yes. In line with TDR’s commitment to equity and inclusion, applications are encouraged from all qualified individuals regardless of gender, background, or disability status.

Conclusion

The Implementation Research Leadership Fellowship Programme at UGM offers a unique opportunity for emerging leaders from low- and middle-income countries to strengthen their research and leadership skills while addressing pressing global health challenges.

By combining rigorous training, collaborative learning, and real-world application, the fellowship equips participants to influence public health policy, improve programme effectiveness, and drive sustainable health impact in their home countries and beyond.

For more information, visit Universitas Gadjah Mada.