The Alicia and YaYa Global Fellowship in Aging Research is a collaborative effort between the University of Maryland Baltimore (UMB) Graduate School and the University of Costa Rica (UCR), San Jose to recognize and support outstanding pre-doctoral and/or post-doctoral students pursuing aging research and to reinforce diversity in aging research.
The goal of this Fellowship is for pre- and/or post-doctoral students from both campuses to engage in an immersive experience at the host campus with exposure to research, education, culture, and leadership in science. The Fellowship intends to broaden the students’ foundation as independent researchers while also building a global cohort of connected Fellows to ensure future collaborations as they continue to develop their research careers. This fellowship brings together UMB and UCR, both of which have established research programs in aging with faculty expertise in diverse aging-related areas that will provide excellent opportunities for students in the fellowship as well as serve as a stimulus for faculty networking.
The Alicia and YaYa Global Fellowship in Aging Research awards up to four fellowships (two from each campus) for a period of six (6) months (maximum of 12 months under special circumstances) at the host university to promote collaborative research in aging. Due to differing academic calendars at UMB and UCR, each Fellowship cohort will start in January through July. The Fellowships are intended for individuals in post master’s/pre-doctoral or early post-doctoral stages of their research training. All applicants are expected to be in good standing within their program at the home institution.
The Fellowship is competitive with an application submission. Students selected for the Fellowship will work with a primary mentor at the host institution in a research area of interest to the student. Expectations of the Fellow and mentor will be outlined in a work plan before the initiation of the Fellowship with input from the mentor at the home institution to ensure continuity of training. Any training or certifications needed to access data during the Fellowship will be directed by the host mentor and the appropriate offices at the host institution. It is expected that Fellows will be actively engaged in research pursuits at the host institution; develop an independent project for presentation and publication, if appropriate; participate in required meetings as part of the Fellowship; acquire knowledge in science leadership; and develop global perspectives to enhance diversity in interdisciplinary aging research. Fellows will enroll in six (6) credits of Fellowship-specific courses or seminar series in order for Fellows to maintain full-time status. Fellows agree to stay in contact with program officials for up to 10 years after completion of the Fellowship to provide information for outcome measurements and other assessments.
The Alicia and YaYa Global Fellowship in Aging Research supports a comprehensive holistic plan for collaborative research training and takes into account the individual interests and competencies of the Fellows. Therefore, applicants must provide a detailed profile of their relevant educational and research experiences and long-term goals to demonstrate the potential to become an emerging research scientist in aging/gerontology disciplines.
Fellowship Application Information ▾
The Alicia and YaYa Global Fellowship in Aging Research program expects to award up to four Research Fellowships (two from each campus) under this program solicitation. The exchange period shall be six (6) months starting in January through July creating a cohort of Exchange Fellows. Note: In special circumstances, Fellows can extend the fellowship to 12 months with proper approval from the host and home institution mentors and Fellowship leadership.
The Fellowship stipend for pre-doctoral Fellows is: $35,000 for a 12-month period, or $2,917 issued monthly ($17,502 for 6 months), and for post-doctoral Fellows is $50,000 for a 12-month period, or $4,167 issued monthly ($25,002 for 6 months). This stipend is meant to cover accommodations, meals and incidentals. Funds will also be provided to cover tuition at UMB, up to 6 credits per semester, while participating in the Fellowship [either at the per credit rate for Maryland residents or at the per credit rate for non-residents] as well as required student fees. These costs will be determined by the program administration based on current rates. In addition, air travel, visa costs, and other expenses related to the Exchange Fellowship will be paid by the Fellowship. The Fellow will be responsible for covering any costs for activities outside of the formal Fellowship (e.g., optional courses, personal travel), including insurance coverage for accidents on campus.
Fellowship applications must be submitted by the prospective Fellow. Prospective Fellows must be in good standing in the program at their home institution and predoctoral students must have a GPA of 3.0 or better.
Fellows from UCR will be required to have a level of English language proficiency equivalent IELTS equal to 6.5. There are no specific Spanish language requirements for UMB Fellows.
