GBHI at UCSF will soon offer a global hybrid fellowship, expanding opportunities for leaders in brain health.
Above: Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health gather for Leadership Week in Accra, Ghana. Photo by Selorm Attikpo.
The Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI) at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is launching a new global hybrid version of the Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health program, expanding opportunities for brain health leaders around the world.
Beginning with the 2026–27 fellowship year, the Atlantic Fellows program at UCSF will increase flexibility for all while ensuring accessibility for those experiencing barriers to participation by blending online learning with in-person experiences in several global locations. Those who are able will still have the opportunity to spend up to 12 months at UCSF.
“This shift reflects our commitment to global representation and ensures that leaders worldwide can participate while extending the fellowship’s impact into the communities where our fellows live and work,” said Victor Valcour, Site Director, GBHI at UCSF. “The global hybrid model supports the next generation of brain health leaders in ways that are both sustainable and deeply connected to their local contexts.”
Each year, 14–16 fellows will participate in this 12-month hybrid program and be enrolled as students in the UCSF Certificate in Equity in Brain Health (pending university approval). All tuition and fees are covered by the program.
Weekly online sessions will focus on brain science, leadership, health policy, and social determinants of health. Sessions will take place on Tuesdays, 8-10 a.m. Pacific and will require 1-2 hours of asynchronous preparatory work. Fellows will also hold regular video calls with their mentors and will participate in project-based activities. This element is designed to accompany full-time professional work.
Fellows will join three week-long in-person experiences hosted in international settings that highlight regional approaches to brain health. Currently scheduled for September 2026, January 2027 and May 2027, these gatherings will combine leadership development and skill-building and allow for exploration of healthcare systems and community engagement in diverse regions. All travel costs for these trips will be covered by the program.
Fellows will also have the opportunity to spend up to 12 months at UCSF. While at UCSF, fellows can observe clinical care, join research activities, and collaborate with faculty at the Memory & Aging Center. A stipend will be provided to cover living expenses. Fellows will continue to participate in online sessions and travel to the international gatherings while based in San Francisco. Those with restrictions due to visas, family responsibilities or work will still be able to complete the Atlantic Fellow program without a requirement to be at UCSF.
All fellows will have access opportunities including the Pilot Awards for Global Brain Health Leaders, connections to the Alzheimer’s Association, and membership in the Global Atlantic Fellows Community.
The global hybrid fellowship represents not just a new format, but a renewed commitment to connection and purpose. Each fellow joins a growing movement of changemakers improving brain health and advancing equity around the world.
Applications are now open for the 2026–27 fellowship year, with a deadline of November 21, 2025.
For more information and answers to common questions, visit the updated Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page. GBHI’s website will continue to be refreshed as new program details are finalized.
