CGHSR Scholars

Eligible Mentors and Research Sites

CGHSR Scholars applications are open from September - February. Applicants will be informed of decisions in March. 

Research Site Criteria:

Evidence of a current University of Minnesota and international host institution collaboration that is beneficial to the international host institution is required. Make note of a current or in-progress affiliation agreement between the University of Minnesota and the partnering host institution (a Health Sciences-wide affiliation agreement is preferable. If status is not known, contact CGHSR staff).

There are no geographical requirements; CGHSR Scholars may propose a project anywhere in the world. However, CGHSR prioritizes projects that demonstrate relevance to important health issues or disparities at the hosting site. Low-income countries are preferred, but middle-income countries may also be considered.

Any projects proposed in locations with Level 3 or 4 State Department Warnings must pursue ITRAAC approval. Approval is not required at the time of application, but will be required if your proposal is selected for CGHSR Scholar funding.

Mentor Criteria:

Commitment from at least two mentors, from the UMN and from the host institution, for at least one year to ensure scholars have support before, during, and for follow-up after the proposed research, is required. A letter of support from both mentors will be required at the time of application. 

In the application, include a description of the existing and developing collaboration(s) between the mentor(s) and the host institution or area of study. 

Identifying a Mentor and Research Site

CGHSR scholars can be mentor- or scholar-initiated. In both cases, a graduate student or postdoc submits an application for the research project with a UMN mentor and research site mentor(s).

• Faculty are encouraged to recruit and encourage potential CGHSR scholars to apply to work on their projects and collaborations of interest. 
• Students seeking mentors should familiarize themselves with current researchers at the University of Minnesota who are available to serve as a mentor. You may want to consider an instructor or someone you have an existing relationship with that you would like to work with further. Experts@Minnesota can be a good place to explore researchers’ topics and ideas.  

Consider these steps when establishing a mentor-scholar-research site relationship: 

1. Mutual area(s) of interest and aims for professional growth. 
2. Mentor’s and scholar’s interest, existing connections, and opportunities for mutual benefit to the host institution or country. 
3. Opportunities to advance science and research activity. Read publications and manuscripts of all parties involved to get to know scholarly work in addition to interpersonal connections and interests. 
4. If (and when) a collaborator is not available, ask if there is anyone they would recommend for the area of research of interest. 

The faculty named below have served as mentors with CGHSR in the past. 

Medicine:  David Boulware | Jose Debes | Jonathan Kirsch | Ken Kunisaki | Radha Rajasingham | Josh Rhein | Timothy Schacker 

• Family Medicine: Chas Salman | Shailey Prasad 
• Microbiology: Ryan Langlois | Kirsten Nielsen
• OBGYN: Rahel Ghebre | Rahel Nardos
• Pediatrics: Sarah Cusick | Maria Kroupina | Logan Spector 
• Surgery: Jennifer Rickard

Nursing: Sarah Hoffman | Barbara McMorris | Carolyn Porta

Public Health: Bruce Alexander | Weihua Guan | Shalini Kulasingam | Kumi Smith | Claudia Munoz-Zanzi 

Vet Med: Katey Pelican | Andres Perez |  Tiffany Wolf

Child Development: Jed Elison

Applications are not restricted to these faculty mentors. Any UMN faculty may serve as a mentor.

Additional guidance can be provided by meeting with a CGHSR staff member. Contact [email protected].

Applicant Eligibility

• Current University of Minnesota doctoral student or postdoc (doctoral degree completion within 5 years) in any college or professional school with doctoral degree programs.
• Recent graduate of a University of Minnesota master's program. Recent master's graduates must have completed their degree within 6 months of starting the program (ie: applicants who will graduate in May 2024 may apply to begin July 2024). Applicants in this category must demonstrate a strong interest and intent in further graduate studies and intentions for a research career.

Funding

• Scholar Stipend: $2,200/month for 8-12 months ($17,600-$26,400 paid through biweekly payroll)
• Travel Costs: up to $3,000
• Insurance Stipend: up to $2,000 
• Mentor Discretionary Funding: up to $5,000 - mentors may request this funding to cover related costs, such as Scholar’s research expenses or compensation to foreign mentor or site.

All funding will be routed through the UMN Mentor’s department or unit.

Tuition benefits are not available for CGHSR Scholars. Students are encouraged to discuss the prospect of a flex year or research year with their school’s academic advisors and leadership prior to applying.

Application Instructions

Applications include:

1. Cover page (1 page)
2. Proposed Project (2 pages)
   1. Background and Significance
   2. Project Aims
   3. Status of the Project
   4. Roles and Responsibilities at the Project Site
   5. Connections to Existing Efforts
3. Timeline (1 page)
   1. Pre-departure work, in host site, and follow-up
4. Letter of Support from UMN Mentor
5. Letter of Support from International Mentor or Proposed Host Institution
6. UMN Transcripts (unofficial, not necessary for postdocs)
7. Master’s graduates should provide a letter of support from their graduate school advisor describing their aptitude for research.

In light of pandemic-related travel restrictions, applicants should consider how they will actively participate in research activities in the event that they are not able to travel to the international research site. A detailed description should be included in the timeline component of their application.

All application components should be single-spaced, 11 point font or larger, with half-inch margins or larger submitted as a single PDF in the order listed above and submitted to [email protected] by Jan. 21.

Download Detailed Application Instructions

Application Review Criteria

Applications will be reviewed based on:

Project feasibility

• Quality of the project proposal
• Timeline
• Proposed mentor team

Evidence of scholarly excellence

• Awards, honors, and scholarly activity
• Transcripts (for graduate students) or research portfolio (for postdocs)

Motivation and Applicant Qualities

• Alignment of scholar’s skills with project needs
• How this experience will contribute to the scholars’s career trajectory
• Letters of recommendation

Alignment with UMN and International Partner

• Does the proposed research project align with the study site and mentors?
• Is the project significant to the partner site and mentors? 
• Is there evidence of strong support from the international parter?

Application Dates: 2025

CGHSR Scholars applications are open from September – January. Applicants will be informed of decisions in March. 

Deadline to apply: Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025

Award notification: March 31, 2025

Start Date: On or after July 1, 2025

Duration: 8–12 month appointment. 

End Date: Flexible. June 30 has typically been proposed as an end date. If Scholars anticipate working beyond December of the end year, please explain the timeframe and rationale in the application.