Health Equity Scholars for Action Program – Jun 16

Posted by Robert Wood Johnson Foundation on May 11, 2021

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Invites LOIs for Health Equity Scholars for Action Program

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has issued a call for proposals for Health Equity Scholars for Action.

According to RWJF, many researchers from historically underrepresented backgrounds who wish to investigate root causes of and solutions to health disparities face challenges of insufficient funding and barriers to attaining tenure. Without mentors at their institutions who understand their lived experiences and supportive professional networks to help identify and offer guidance in pursuing opportunities, underrepresented researchers face many obstacles to academic career advancement.

The Health Equity Scholars for Action (HES4A) program is designed to enhance the supports, resources, and community necessary for participants to thrive professionally and personally and, in turn, be better able to contribute to and expand health equity-related research and evidence that can help build a Culture of Health.

To that end, the HES4A seeks to support the career development and academic advancement of researchers from historically underrepresented backgrounds who conduct health equity research. Grants will be awarded to address the challenges that underrepresented researchers experience; help them overcome obstacles to earning tenure; and make progress toward acquiring independent research funding. Grants will support three aspects of career development: research, mentorship, and connection with a community of support.

Up to fifteen grants of $250,000 each over two years will be awarded through the program. Funds will cover up to 70 percent of the scholar’s salary for two years (capped at $75,000 per year), with the remainder of the award to be used for research and other related expenses. (See the FAQ for details.)

To be eligible, applicants must have completed a doctoral degree within the last five years and be from a systematically marginalized group that has historically been underrepresented in research disciplines. The term “systematically marginalized” refers to the challenges facing individuals because of their race, ethnicity, gender expression or sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or similar factors. Eligible individuals include but are not limited to individuals from ethnically and racially minoritized groups underrepresented in research disciplines; first-generation college graduates; people for whom English is not a native language; people from low-income communities; LGBTQ+ individuals; and individuals with disabilities.

Letters of Intent are due June 16. Upon review, selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal by September 1, 2021

See the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation website for complete program guidelines and application instructions.

Deadline: June 16, 2021 (Letters of Intent)