Introduction

UNU-IIGH undertakes policy-relevant research and analysis to inform UN agencies, member states and other key decision-makers on critical topics for global health. The Global Health PhD Fellowship presents an opportunity for its recipient to add value to their PhD experience by enabling them to be part of the processes of policy analyses and translation within the UN global health context.

UNU-IIGH’s 2019 – 2023 Strategic Plan focuses on three pillars: translating evidence into policy, generating policy-relevant analysis, and strengthening capacity for local decision making on key issues related to sustainable development and global public health.

Pillar One – Evidence to Policy
Pillar Two – Gender and Health
Pillar Three – Capacity Strengthening

The Fellowship aims to provide hands-on experience in carrying out a research project outside the realm of academia. We are accepting applications from PhD candidates at any stage of their PhD; however, preference will be given to applicants who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting their degree. The PhD Fellowship lasts between six to twelve months, and fellows will be assigned a UNU-IIGH mentor throughout their time with us.

PhD Fellows are supported by a monthly subsistence allowance (USD 1,000 per month). For successful candidates from low- and middle-income countries, a small travel grant may be awarded. UNU-IIGH will assist in the visa application process for non-Malaysian residents.

A limited number of placements are available each year. One of the Fellowship’s expected outputs is a publishable report and/or policy brief, which may be included as an appendix to their thesis.

Eligibility requirements

Applicants must be currently enrolled in a PhD programme at an officially accredited or recognised* educational institution.

Applicants may be enrolled in any PhD course, but their project enacted during the PhD Fellowship must directly relate to one or more of UNU-IIGH’s focus areas.

Applicants must have demonstrated proficiency in English.

Applicants must be willing to be based in UNU-IIGH in Malaysia for a minimum of 6 months to a maximum of 12 months.

NOTE: Due to travel restrictions imposed by the Malaysian government in light of COVID-19, international PhD Fellows may not be able to enter Malaysia. In which case, the Fellowship will be done remotely.

* Listed in the Intl. Association of Universities-World Higher Education database, https://whed.net.

How to apply

Applications for the 2023 Global Health PhD Fellowship opened on 15 March 2023. Applications will be accepted until 3 April 2023. Please click on the link below to submit your application.

Please be advised that you will need to submit the following documents with your application:

a) Your recent Curriculum Vitae  b) A reference letter from your PhD supervisor c) A sample of your written work

UNU-IIGH encourages applications from women and nationals of low and middle-income countries.

For any further enquiries please email phdfellowship@unu.edu

UNU-IIGH encourages applications from women and nationals of low and middle-income countries.