Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health

Applications for the 2027–28 Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health cohort at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) are now open.

Please review the eligibility requirements, application materials, and important dates before submitting your application.

Application deadline

Monday, Nov. 2, 2026
11:59 p.m. GMT (3:59 p.m. PST)

Apply to the fellowship at UCSF

Eligibility

We welcome applications from experienced professionals from a wide range of disciplines who are committed to advancing brain health equity and reducing the impact of dementia. Competitive applicants have demonstrated leadership experience, a collaborative approach, and a desire to create meaningful change in their communities.

Applicants must:

• Have completed the highest level of training or education they intend to pursue in their field
• Demonstrate English proficiency
• Be available to participate in the full year-long global hybrid fellowship
• Participate in required online learning, international in-person workshops, and the residential learning experience at UCSF
• Be able to travel internationally as required

Professionals from many fields have joined the fellowship, including medicine, nursing, neuroscience, psychology, public health, engineering, policymaking, journalism, entrepreneurship, the arts, education, and community leadership. 

Tips for a successful application

Competitive applicants demonstrate:

• A long-term commitment to advancing brain health equity.
• Leadership potential and a collaborative mindset.
• A strong record of professional achievement.
• The ability to work across disciplines and cultures.
• Creative ideas with the potential to improve brain health in their communities.
• A willingness to contribute to and learn from a diverse global fellowship community.

Choosing a fellowship site

Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health complete their fellowship at one of two sites: UCSF or Trinity College Dublin.

While both programs share the same mission and commitment to advancing brain health equity, they offer different learning experiences.

• UCSF: Global hybrid model with interactive online learning, international in-person workshops, and a required residential learning experience at UCSF.
• Trinity College Dublin: Full-time, in-person fellowship based in Dublin.

Applicants may apply to only one fellowship site during each application cycle. Review both programs carefully and choose the site that best aligns with your professional goals, availability, and preferred learning format.

The fellowship is designed for working professionals and combines online and in-person learning over one year.

During the remote portion of the fellowship, fellows participate in weekly live online classes, independent learning, regular mentor meetings, and the development of a pilot project proposal.

The in-person component includes:

• Three required 10-day international learning intensives 
• A residential learning experience at UCSF lasting between three and 12 months 

During their time at UCSF, fellows participate in clinical observation, research engagement, and educational activities at the UCSF Fein Memory and Aging Center.

A complete application includes:

• Online application
• Résumé or curriculum vitae
• Two letters of support

At least one letter of support should come from a current employer, institution, organization, or professional collaborator who can speak to your experience and leadership potential.

Applicants are also asked to identify a regional mentor who can support their leadership development during and after the fellowship. Regional mentors help fellows connect their fellowship experience to local priorities, partnerships, and opportunities for impact.

Applicants should contact their letter writers early to ensure all materials are submitted before the application deadline.

All application materials must be submitted in English. Applications are considered complete only after all required materials have been received.

Applicants invited to the final stage of the selection process may be asked to provide official transcripts.

Applications are reviewed through a competitive selection process.

Selected applicants will be invited to interview. Interviews are by invitation only, and all applicants will be notified of their application status by email.

Important dates

• July 1, 2026 - Applications open
• November 2, 2026 - Applications close at 11:59 PM GMT
• January 2027 - Invitations to interview
• February 2027 - Final decisions

Information webinar

Watch the recording of the 2026 UCSF applicant information webinar to learn more about the fellowship and hear from faculty and alumni.

Frequently asked questions

For answers to common questions about eligibility, application requirements, regional mentors, and the selection process, visit the Frequently Asked Questions page.

If you still can’t find what you need, please contact the admissions team.

Stay connected

Sign up for the GBHI Newsletter to receive application updates and other news from the Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health program.

The University of California is committed to equal opportunity in admissions, academic programs, and employment. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, or veteran status. For more information, read the full UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

Apply to fellowship  

Thank you for your interest in joining a community dedicated to advancing brain health and creating a healthier future for all.

Applicants may apply to only one fellowship site per application cycle. We encourage you to review both programs carefully and choose the site that best aligns with your professional goals, availability, and preferred learning format. While both programs share the same mission, values, and commitment to advancing brain health equity, they offer different learning experiences.=

Apply to the fellowship at UCSF