2026 Health System Impact Fellowship: Applications Now Open for PhD Researchers and Postdoctoral Fellows

Overview

The 2026 Health System Impact Fellowship offers an embedded research placement designed to connect academic research with real-world healthcare challenges. By placing researchers directly inside health system organizations, the programme aims to foster leadership, build professional networks, and support evidence-informed decision-making, planning, and policy development. Participants gain exposure to the daily operations of healthcare management and service delivery while applying their expertise to organizational priorities.

Who can apply

The programme is open to doctoral researchers and postdoctoral researchers. PhD trainees can use the placement to gain experience outside conventional academic settings, while postdoctoral researchers can broaden their professional background and leadership capabilities. Health system organizations are also invited to participate by hosting a fellow through the online Partner Linkage Tool.

What you get

Fellows receive practical work experience through an embedded research placement within a health system organization. The position helps participants build professional relationships with decision-makers outside the university environment and develops transferable skills in leadership, communication, strategic thinking, collaboration, and knowledge translation.

Key dates

An information webinar takes place on November 4 for prospective applicants and interested organizations.