Graduate Student Research Development Grants

Supporting U-M Graduate Student Research in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

The Center for Global Health Equity offers grants to U-M graduate students who are prepared to develop and implement a novel global health equity research project in a low- and/or middle-income country (LMIC). Students will explore new global collaborations and deepen their knowledge of the field of global health equity through a unique combination of international research experience, community-building, and professional training. 

This program provides funding for international travel expenses for student-driven, novel research projects that have potential for longer-term impact on health and wellbeing in low- and middle-income countries. Our development grant program offers exceptionally motivated students support in shaping research projects in alignment with key CGHE values of building equitable global partnerships, co-designing research proposals with local collaborators in LMICs, and creating a line of sight to envision impact. Through a competitive selection process, we fund projects that align with one or more of CGHE’s thematic priorities.

How It Works

This is more than a travel grant. We prepare students for successful careers in the field of global health equity through mentored research consultations and a series of professional learning sessions uniquely tailored to prepare student researchers for global health impact.

The grants provide students with the opportunity to establish professional and academic contacts, assess research sites, and refine their projects.

This program is for graduate students with a demonstrated commitment to global health equity, interest in one or more of CGHE’s thematic priorities, and readiness to advance their research in the field. The strongest proposals will incorporate perspectives from multiple disciplines and will clearly show how the project advances known needs in low- and middle-income settings.

As participants in the program, students will:

  • Present their research proposals to a community of CGHE experts and receive constructive advice.
  • Participate in pre-departure training sessions.
  • Travel and conduct research in a low- or middle-income country, as specified within individual research proposals.
  • Join and participate in a learning community with other grantees in the 2024 cohort. 

Through this program, students will:

  • Contribute to global health equity research and knowledge.
  • Enhance skills in formulating creative and culturally appropriate approaches to research planning, implementation, and dissemination.
  • Develop the knowledge and cultural humility to work with global partners effectively.
  • Learn new approaches to multidisciplinary research and collaboration with LMIC partners.
  • Advance an original research project in collaboration with a global partner in an LMIC setting.

Eligibility. This program is open to U-M graduate students in any discipline, including master’s, doctoral, and other professional degree programs. Students should have already established contact with a global partner/collaborator before applying to this program. Grantees are expected to spend a minimum of four weeks abroad in the field. 

Students must be in Ann Arbor on May 7, 2025 for an in-person orientation. Travel may occur between May 10 and September 5, 2025. Students are expected to participate in three pre-departure training sessions, one mid-trip check-in, and one post-trip reflection session. A post-trip research poster presentation will take place in the Fall 2025 semester.

Students must be enrolled at the University of Michigan in Fall 2025.

Application. Students apply to CGHE’s competitive development grant program in M-Compass.

Application Deadline. February 14, 2025.

Apply in M-Compass

Time Commitment

Grantees are expected to spend a minimum of four weeks abroad in the field. Travel will occur between May 10 and September 5, 2025. Students are expected to participate in three pre-departure training sessions, one mid-trip check-in, and one post-research reflection session. 

Grant Amount

Students are eligible to apply for up to $5,000 in eligible travel expenses. This includes international airfare, in-country ground transportation, lodging, meals, and incidentals. We expect that most expenses students propose to be covered by our grant will be related to travel. Some necessary expenses related to the processes of completing the research activity in the field may be considered. An itemized budget of expenses is required.

Post-Trip Activities and Deliverables

Upon return from the international research site, students will participate in a reflection session to connect the field experience to future student growth and development. After the reflection session, students will deliver on campus a presentation of the results of their research. They will also prepare a written report that reflects upon the experience and discusses future direction for impact. Students should provide a minimum of three quality photos that CGHE can use for publicity and educational purposes. (Any human subjects in photos must provide written permission to be photographed and for the photo to be disseminated). Finally, students will present a research poster at the CGHE Fall 2025 Gathering.

Human Subjects Research

Applicants must obtain IRB approval, if necessary.

Questions?

Contact Alana Rodriguez
Education and Outreach Project Manager
[email protected]