Research Fellowship Application Tips
Below, find suggestions for creating a successful application for one of the Global Health Research Fellowships.
- Brainstorm a topic that you are familiar with and/or have previous experience in.
- Contact someone who has experience in the field you are trying to research, preferably a professor with expertise in global health.
- Develop a thorough proposal outline and/or draft, which should include a potential budget and contacts you have made.
- Meet with your faculty adviser to finalize your research plan.
- Submit your proposal.
- Upon acceptance, attend the mandatory Responsible Conduct of Global Health Research Seminar.
Tips for choosing a country
Identify the risks of traveling to
Security/political environment
Northwestern’s University policy on travel does not permit NU to sponsor or pay for project participation in a country that has been issued a travel warning by the U.S. Department of State. Please visit their website for travel warning information.
Travel-related diseases, immunization and disease-testing requirements
These risks depend on
Tips for securing a site to perform research
- Gather references and contact information from student organizations (e.g. GlobeMed, Global Water Brigades, Engineers for a Sustainable World), GLO partners, personal connections, previous internships or local NGOs, and students and/or faculty members who have previously completed research at your desired location.
- Contact a health care facility or institution within that region to find out if they are interested in hosting a visiting student to perform research activities.
Tips for identifying travel risks
Use a current travel guide and/or find information online to identify risks and consult with on-site program sponsor. Possible Sources of Reference:
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (National Center for Infectious Diseases Traveler’s Health)
- The U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs
- Northwestern’s Office of Global Safety and Security
- The World Health Organization: WHO
Learn about your adviser's rights and responsibilities
- The adviser may mandate multiple draft submissions of your proposal.
- Because the adviser assumes responsibility
over the research project, he/she can require changes to your proposal to ensure your safety and adherence to institutional and IRB procedures.
Tips for filling out your application details
Make sure you address the following points when completing your application.
On-site contact information
Name of university or organization you will be working with abroad, the contact you have made on-site, emergency contact information. You are welcome to supplement your application with literature about the organization or institution you intend to work with.
Foreign languages spoken
It is particularly important to include those that are useful to the area you will be traveling to. If you do not speak the native language will interpretation services be provided?
Budget
Provide a breakdown of the estimated expenses for the trip. This should include:
- Airline cost
- International health insurance
- Living arrangements (room/board)
- Vaccinations (required by country)
- Emergency money
- Passport visa fee
Tips for IRB exemption or approval
- Complete CITI training
- Apply for IRB using
eIRB system - Adviser/Principal Investigator must submit study
- Check eIRB for updates and edits