OFFICIAL CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: SIHI FELLOWS PROGRAM 2026

OFFICIAL CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: SIHI FELLOWS PROGRAM 2026

Organization: Social Innovation in Health Initiative (SIHI)

Fellowship Duration: 6 Months

Nature of Engagement: Volunteer-based

Application Deadline: February 16, 2026

 Program Overview

The Social Innovation in Health Initiative (SIHI) is pleased to announce the recruitment of SIHI Fellows for its 2026 intake. This six-month fellowship is designed for early-career researchers and innovators committed to advancing social innovation in the healthcare sector. Fellows will work alongside a global community of practice to co-develop open-access learning materials and contribute to the growing body of knowledge in health innovation.

 Fellowship Objectives and Responsibilities

Selected fellows will engage in a structured professional development experience, which includes the following activities:

•  Individual Development: Formulate an Individual Development Plan (IDP) and receive mentorship from an assigned SIHI Hub coach.

•  Community Engagement: Participate in a global community of practice convened by SIHI-UNC.

•  Content Creation: Co-create one open-access learning video focused on social innovation in health.

•  Scholarly Contribution: Contribute to a manuscript documenting the fellowship network experience and outcomes.

 Eligibility Criteria

The program is open to early-career researchers who meet the following requirements:

•  Age/Career Stage: Applicants should be between 15 and 35 years of age or within 10 years of completing their terminal degree.

•  Interest: A demonstrated interest in social innovation in health and the development of educational materials.

•  Commitment: Ability to commit to a six-month volunteer fellowship.

 Support and Mentorship

Although the fellowship is volunteer-based, participants will receive significant institutional support, including:

•  Guidance from local SIHI Hubs and the SIHI-UNC team.

•  Access to a global network of experts and peers in the health innovation space.

 Application Process

Interested candidates must submit their applications through the official portal. The following documents are required:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV): Highlighting relevant academic and professional experience.

2. Cover Letter: A maximum of one page describing the applicant’s motivation, interest in social innovation in health, and any experience or interest in creating learning materials (such as short videos). Applicants should also indicate their preferred SIHI Hub(s).

Official Application Link: https://lnkd.in/gJ-sGnJT

 Key Dates

•  Submission Deadline: February 16, 2026.

•  Notification of Selection: Successful applicants will be notified before the end of March 2026.

 Contact Information

For further inquiries regarding the fellowship, please contact Yanqi Wang via email at yanqwang@unc.edu.