Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health 2027–2028: Fully Funded Global Fellowship at UCSF or Trinity College Dublin for Emerging Leaders Working to Improve Brain Health

Applications are now open for the 2027–2028 Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health Fellowship, an internationally recognized leadership program offered by the Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI). Designed for professionals from diverse disciplines, this prestigious fellowship equips emerging leaders with the knowledge, skills, mentorship, and global network needed to address one of the world’s most pressing public health challenges—brain health and dementia.

The Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health program brings together outstanding professionals from around the world who are committed to protecting aging populations, reducing the impact of dementia, and promoting equity in brain health within their communities and globally.

Hosted by the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) in the United States and Trinity College Dublin in Ireland, the fellowship combines interdisciplinary education, leadership development, research, mentorship, and international collaboration.

Since its establishment, the fellowship has built a thriving global network of more than 300 Atlantic Fellows representing over 65 countries, creating lifelong collaborations among leaders dedicated to advancing healthier, fairer, and more inclusive societies.

About the Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health

The fellowship is one of the seven global Atlantic Fellows programs established to promote healthier communities, greater social equity, expanded opportunities, and stronger global leadership.

Recognizing that dementia and brain health challenges affect every society, the fellowship welcomes professionals from numerous disciplines, understanding that improving brain health requires collaboration across medicine, science, public policy, economics, journalism, education, community development, arts, and many other sectors.

Rather than focusing exclusively on clinical practice, the fellowship seeks individuals who have demonstrated leadership potential, innovative thinking, and a commitment to transforming brain health within their communities.

Fellowship Highlights

Participants benefit from an intensive year-long learning experience that combines academic excellence with practical leadership development.

Highlights include:

• A one-year fellowship hosted at either:
  • University of California, San Francisco (United States)
  • Trinity College Dublin (Ireland)
• Membership in a global community of more than 300 Atlantic Fellows from over 65 countries.
• Collaboration with internationally recognized researchers, clinicians, artists, policymakers, and community leaders.
• An interdisciplinary curriculum combining clinical sciences, research, humanities, and public health.
• Equity-focused learning centered on dementia prevention and brain health.
• Case-based and observational learning in both clinical and community settings.
• Leadership development and professional skills training.
• Intensive mentorship throughout the fellowship.
• Access to competitive Pilot Awards funding.
• Academic Certificate in Equity in Brain Health awarded by UCSF or Trinity College Dublin.
• Lifelong membership in both the Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health community and the broader Atlantic Fellows global network.

Fellowship Benefits

1. Comprehensive Interdisciplinary Curriculum

The fellowship delivers an innovative curriculum focused on:

• Brain health
• Dementia
• Health equity
• Healthy aging
• Leadership
• Advocacy
• Research methods
• Communication
• Community engagement

Learning combines scientific evidence with lived experiences of individuals affected by dementia, ensuring that fellows develop both technical expertise and compassionate leadership.

2. Leadership Development

Participants strengthen their ability to:

• Lead interdisciplinary teams
• Advocate for equitable healthcare
• Design innovative community interventions
• Influence public policy
• Build partnerships across sectors
• Communicate scientific evidence effectively

The program prepares fellows to become influential leaders capable of driving meaningful change within their countries.

3. World-Class Mentorship

Each fellow receives personalized mentorship from faculty members at GBHI and experts within their local communities.

Mentors assist fellows by:

• Supporting career development
• Refining leadership skills
• Developing research ideas
• Strengthening community projects
• Expanding professional networks

This mentorship continues throughout the fellowship and often extends well beyond graduation.

4. Pilot Project Funding

One of the fellowship’s most valuable benefits is access to competitive Pilot Awards for Global Brain Health Leaders.

Successful fellows may receive funding of up to USD 25,000 to launch innovative projects designed to improve brain health and reduce the impact of dementia within their home communities.

These awards enable fellows to transform innovative ideas into practical solutions with measurable community impact.

5. Lifelong Fellowship Community

Graduation does not mark the end of the fellowship experience.

Instead, fellows become permanent members of an international community dedicated to advancing brain health worldwide.

Benefits include:

• Ongoing collaboration opportunities
• Continued mentorship
• International networking
• Joint research initiatives
• Professional partnerships
• Shared learning experiences
• Cross-sector collaboration

This lifelong network significantly expands each fellow’s professional reach and impact.

Fellowship Study Locations

Applicants may apply to only one fellowship site during each application cycle.

University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), USA

Founded in 1864, UCSF is internationally recognized as one of the world’s leading health sciences universities.

The fellowship at UCSF is delivered through a part-time global hybrid model, combining:

• Weekly online learning
• International in-person sessions
• Optional visits to San Francisco

Participants benefit from the expertise of the renowned UCSF Feinstein Memory and Aging Center while collaborating with leading clinicians, researchers, and educators.

This format is ideal for professionals who wish to continue working while participating in the fellowship.

Trinity College Dublin, Ireland

Founded in 1592, Trinity College Dublin is Ireland’s oldest university and one of Europe’s leading research institutions.

The Trinity fellowship is delivered as a full-time, in-person program based in Dublin.

The curriculum emphasizes:

• Life-course approaches to brain health
• Public health
• Social determinants of dementia
• Brain health equity
• International collaboration

Participants also enjoy studying within one of Europe’s most vibrant academic and cultural environments.

Common Learning Experience

Although the two fellowship sites differ in delivery format, both share:

• The same mission
• Shared values
• Common curriculum
• Leadership training
• Equity-centered approach
• Brain health focus

Fellows from both sites come together through workshops, collaborative activities, and the annual GBHI Conference.

Who Should Apply?

The fellowship seeks professionals with strong leadership potential who are committed to improving brain health and reducing dementia worldwide.

Professionals from numerous backgrounds are encouraged to apply, including those working in:

• Clinical medicine
• Public health
• Research
• Policy
• Journalism
• Community development
• Arts
• Education
• Economics
• Social sciences
• Advocacy
• Neuroscience
• Healthcare administration

Applicants should demonstrate a clear commitment to improving brain health outcomes in their communities.

Why Apply?

The Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health Fellowship offers much more than academic training. It provides a transformative leadership journey that empowers participants to become influential advocates, researchers, clinicians, educators, policymakers, and innovators working to improve brain health across the globe.

By joining this fellowship, participants gain access to world-class education, mentorship, international collaborations, funding opportunities, and a lifelong network of leaders committed to advancing equity in brain health.

Application Process

Applicants should carefully review both fellowship sites before submitting an application.

Important points include:

1. Choose either UCSF or Trinity College Dublin.
2. Submit only one application during each application cycle.
3. Select the program that best aligns with your professional goals, availability, and preferred learning format.
4. Complete the online application through the Global Brain Health Institute.

Application Deadline

Applications for the 2027–2028 Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health Fellowship are now open.

The official application deadline is not specified on the program page. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Official Website

Learn more and submit your application through the official Global Brain Health Institute website:

Apply here   

 

Learn More

• For more information about this opportunity, Click here 

• More global Fellowship opportunities for youth, visit the OFY website: Click here