Vital Strategies Healthy Food Policy Fellowship 2026: PhD Research Support for Eligible Candidates in Five Countries

Overview

The Vital Strategies Healthy Food Policy Fellowship supports outstanding doctoral candidates who aim to strengthen public health research and contribute to healthier food environments through public policy. Funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies and administered by Vital Strategies, the programme responds to the need for increased research expertise to help governments and public health institutions design effective food policies. The fellowship focuses on building national research capacity in five designated countries and developing professionals who can promote the use of evidence in public policy.

Who can apply

The programme is open to citizens or permanent residents of Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Indonesia and Vietnam. Applicants must not have started the specific PhD programme for which they are seeking fellowship support. Candidates must demonstrate a clear commitment to improving food environments and food policy in their country of origin or residence, and must intend to return to, remain in, or continue working for the benefit of that country after completing their doctoral studies. Relevant fields of study include public health, nutrition, food policy, health systems and other related areas.

Requirements

Applicants must pursue research that addresses knowledge gaps related to healthier food environments and supports measures to improve access to healthier food choices. A strict independence condition applies regarding commercial conflicts of interest: applicants must not currently be affiliated with the sugary drink, ultra-processed food, or tobacco industries, nor with their agents or associates, and they must have had no such affiliation during the two years preceding their application.

How to apply

Interested candidates must visit the official fellowship webpage and application portal to review the eligibility requirements and follow the provided application instructions. Applicants need to prepare the requested information and clearly explain how their proposed doctoral research aligns with programme objectives, addresses research gaps, and contributes to public health and food policy in their home country.