The Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health program at the Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI) at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) prepares experienced professionals to become leaders in brain health and dementia worldwide. It is one of seven global Atlantic Fellows programs.
Designed for professionals from a wide range of disciplines, the fellowship combines interdisciplinary education, leadership development, mentorship, and a global network of collaborators. Fellows strengthen their knowledge of brain health while developing the skills, partnerships, and perspectives needed to create lasting impact in their home communities and beyond.
As one of the two founding fellowship sites, UCSF offers a global hybrid program that includes interactive online learning, international in-person workshops, and a residential learning experience in San Francisco.
About the Atlantic Fellows Program
The fellowship is grounded in the clinical and research excellence of the UCSF Edward and Pearl Fein Memory and Aging Center, part of the UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences. Fellows learn alongside internationally recognized experts while engaging with people living with dementia, researchers, clinicians, educators, artists, and policy leaders.
The program emphasizes collaboration across disciplines because improving brain health requires expertise from many fields. Fellows build on their existing professional experience while gaining new knowledge, leadership skills, and a global perspective.
Throughout the program, fellows benefit from:
- A year-long global hybrid learning experience based at UCSF
- Interdisciplinary coursework in brain health, dementia, leadership, and health equity
- Clinical observations and case-based learning
- Mentorship from GBHI faculty and regional mentors
- Leadership and professional development;
- Opportunities to engage with research, innovation, and global collaborators
- Eligibility to apply for competitive Pilot Awards to support brain health projects in fellows' home communities
- A Certificate in Equity in Brain Health, awarded by UCSF upon successful completion
A Global Community of Leaders
Atlantic Fellows come from more than 65 countries and represent professions including medicine, nursing, neuroscience, psychology, public health, journalism, engineering, policymaking, the arts, community leadership, entrepreneurship, and advocacy.
The diversity of each fellowship cohort is one of the program's greatest strengths. Fellows learn from one another's experiences, develop collaborations across sectors, and become part of a lifelong global community committed to advancing brain health equity.
Graduates join a network of more than 300 Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health and the broader Atlantic Fellows community, creating opportunities for continued learning, partnership, and collective action long after the fellowship year ends.
Who Should Apply?
We welcome applications from experienced professionals who:
- Are committed to improving brain health and reducing the impact of dementia
- Demonstrate leadership potential and a collaborative approach
- Bring expertise from any discipline relevant to brain health
- Want to translate knowledge into meaningful action in their communities
- Are ready to learn from and contribute to a diverse international cohort
Applicants must have completed a terminal degree or equivalent professional training, demonstrate English proficiency, and be available to participate in all required fellowship activities, including international travel and the residential experience at UCSF.
How to Apply
Applications for the 2027–28 Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health cohort are now open.
Applications include:
- Online application
- Résumé or curriculum vitae
- Personal statements
- Two letters of support
Applicants should also identify a regional mentor who can support their leadership development and future work following the fellowship. At least one letter should come from a current employer, institution, organization, or professional collaborator. Applications are considered complete only when all required materials have been received.
Application deadline:
Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. GMT (3:59 p.m. PST)
Selected applicants will be invited to interview as part of the competitive selection process.
Apply to the Fellowship at UCSF
Learn More
Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend an information webinar to learn about the fellowship, hear from faculty and alumni, and ask questions about the application process.
UCSF Applicant Webinar | Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health
Tuesday, Aug. 11, 8–9 a.m.
register
Explore application requirements, eligibility, webinar dates, and application materials through the Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health application pages.