Call for Applications: Gupta-Klinsky India Institute at Johns Hopkins University – India RISE Fellowship 2026

Application Deadline: June 1, 2026

About the Fellowship

India RISE Fellowship (Research & Innovation STEMM Empowerment) is a 12-month program that equips the next generation of women leaders in science with advanced research training, dedicated mentorship, and leadership development opportunities. Conceptualized under the aegis of the U.S.-India Alliance for Women’s Economic Empowerment, and backed by Johns Hopkins University’s Gupta-Klinsky India Institute (GKII) in collaboration with leading Indian institutions, India RISE addresses the critical “leaky pipeline” in STEMM by supporting women at a career stage when many risk leaving the scientific workforce. The “leaky pipeline” refers to the phenomenon where women drop out of STEMM careers at higher rates than men, particularly after completing their doctoral or professional training. Factors contributing to this include lack of mentorship, limited access to research funding and resources, and challenges balancing career and family responsibilities. India RISE directly addresses these barriers by providing targeted support, mentorship, and funding to help women researchers advance and thrive in their scientific careers. The fellowship is a 12-month, hybrid program blending in-person convenings and virtual sessions. It is designed to help participants strengthen their research and leadership capabilities, gain skills to secure competitive research grants, and connect with a powerful network of peers and mentors across India and the United States.

Fellowship Benefits

Participants gain access to a wide range of professional and academic benefits designed to accelerate career growth. These include:

• Certificate from Johns Hopkins University – Recognising successful completion of the fellowship
• Travel funding support for programme activities (in-person convenings and events)
• Access to a competitive USD 50,000 research grant challenge – Opportunity to apply for substantial research funding
• Premium online learning resources and courses – Access to Johns Hopkins University’s educational materials and training
• Membership in the India RISE professional network – Lifelong connections with peers, mentors, and alumni
• Exposure to global research and leadership communities – Connections to Johns Hopkins and international research networks
• Dedicated mentorship – One-on-one guidance from experienced researchers and leaders
• Advanced research training – Skill-building in research methodology, grant writing, and scientific communication
• Leadership development – Training in project management, team leadership, and career planning

These benefits enhance both immediate learning outcomes and long-term career opportunities.

Eligibility Requirements

The fellowship is targeted at early-career women researchers in India. Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Identify as women
• Hold a PhD or postgraduate professional degree (e.g., MTech, MD, MS, DNB)
• Have completed their qualification within the last 7 years (at the time of application)
• Be actively engaged in health or medical research in India
• Demonstrate commitment to advancing women in STEMM
• Have a designated research advisor within their institution who will provide ongoing guidance during the fellowship

Important Note: The programme also recognises non-linear career paths, allowing for career breaks and transitions. If you have taken time away from research for family responsibilities, health reasons, or other circumstances, you are still encouraged to apply.

Research Focus:

The fellowship is specifically designed for researchers working in health or medical research in India. This includes but is not limited to:

• Clinical research
• Public health research
• Biomedical sciences
• Epidemiology
• Health systems and policy research
• Translational research
• Pharmaceutical and drug development research
• Medical technology and innovation

Programme Structure

The 12-month fellowship combines virtual and in-person components:

• Hybrid format – Blending online learning with in-person convenings
• Advanced research training – Skill-building in research methodology, grant writing, and scientific communication
• Leadership development – Training in project management, team leadership, and career planning
• Dedicated mentorship – One-on-one guidance from experienced researchers and leaders
• Research grant challenge – Opportunity to compete for up to $50,000 in research funding
• Peer networking – Connections with other women researchers across India
• Exposure to global research communities – Access to Johns Hopkins University’s network and resources

Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Research excellence – Quality and potential of the applicant’s research work
• Leadership potential – Demonstrated ability to lead research projects and teams
• Commitment to women in STEMM – Evidence of advocacy, mentorship, or support for other women in science
• Clarity of career goals – Clear vision for how the fellowship will advance the applicant’s career
• Institutional support – Strength of the research advisor relationship and institutional environment
• Potential for impact – Likelihood that the applicant will become a leader in health and medical research in India

Application Process

Click on the link to the application website to apply.

Application Link: Click here to apply

Required Application Materials:

• Completed online application form
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) including publications, awards, and research experience
• Research proposal or statement of research interests (specific to health/medical research)
• Personal statement describing career goals and commitment to women in STEMM
• Letter of recommendation from research advisor or senior colleague
• Copy of PhD or professional degree certificate
• Institutional support letter (if required)

Why This Fellowship Matters

India has a rich and growing scientific workforce, yet women remain significantly underrepresented in research leadership positions. The reasons are complex: lack of mentorship, limited access to funding, unconscious bias, and the challenges of balancing research careers with family responsibilities.

The India RISE Fellowship addresses these barriers by:

• Providing targeted support at a critical career stage (early-career, when many women leave research)
• Offering substantial research funding (up to $50,000 grant challenge) to enable independent research
• Building a supportive community of women researchers across India
• Connecting Indian researchers to Johns Hopkins University’s global research network
• Recognising non-linear career paths – welcoming applicants who have taken career breaks

For early-career women researchers in health and medical fields, this fellowship offers a unique opportunity to advance their research, develop leadership skills, and join a powerful network of peers and mentors who are committed to transforming India’s scientific landscape.

For More Information: Visit the Official Webpage of the Gupta-Klinsky India Institute India RISE Fellowship