INTENSIVE 8-WEEK PROGRAM

Research Translation & Innovation Fellowship

A rigorous, immersive fellowship designed to equip emerging leaders with the skills to translate health research into community action, policy influence, and scalable innovation.

Program Overview

Program Structure

The Research Translation Fellowship is an intensive 8-week program designed for students, emerging researchers, health professionals, and community practitioners who want to bridge the gap between evidence and action. Fellows gain practical skills in research translation, community engagement, policy communication, and program implementation through a blended learning approach combining expert-led sessions, hands-on projects, and peer learning.

Core Learning Outcomes

By the end of the program, fellows will be able to:

  • Translate complex research findings into actionable community interventions
  • Design and implement stakeholder engagement strategies
  • Develop policy briefs and advocacy materials
  • Apply design thinking to health challenges
  • Build sustainable partnerships for research translation
  • Measure and communicate program impact effectively

Who Should Apply

The fellowship is ideal for:

  • Undergraduate and graduate students interested in health research and community development
  • Early-career researchers seeking practical translation skills
  • Health practitioners wanting to connect clinical work with research evidence
  • Program officers and project managers in NGOs and CBOs
  • Policy advocates and community leaders committed to evidence-informed decision-making

Fellowship Features

  • 8-week intensive curriculum with weekly sessions and practical assignments
  • Expert mentorship from experienced researchers and practitioners
  • Hands-on project work with real-world application
  • Peer learning and networking opportunities
  • Certificate of completion from Utafiti Wellness Research Association
  • Access to UWRA's alumni network and partner organizations

Program Commitment

Duration: 8 weeks (August - September 2026)
Format: Virtual (online sessions & mentorship)
Time Commitment: 4 hours per week (sessions, readings, and project work)
Language: English

Eligibility criteria

  • Graduates, Undergraduates or Ongoing students
  • Demonstrate interest in research
  • Proficiency in English (written and spoken)
  • Access to reliable internet for online sessions
  • High commitment to complete the full 8-week program

Fellowship benefits

  • Certificate of completion from UWRA
  • Expert-led masterclasses and mentorship
  • Access to UWRA's partner network
  • Opportunity to co-author policy briefs and publications (if applicable)
  • Membership in UWRA's alumni network
  • Priority consideration for UWRA future project roles (if applicable)
  • Research translation portfolio development

Application timeline

  • Cohort 2 Applications open: July 10, 2026
  • Application deadline: July 25, 2026
  • Shortlisting notification: July 30, 2026
  • Interviews: August 5-8, 2026
  • Final selection: August 12, 2026
  • Program start: August 17, 2026
Cohort 2

Applications Now Open

Apply now to join the 8-week Research Translation Fellowship. Limited seats available.

Deadline: July 25, 2026

Apply Now

30 seats available. Early applications encouraged.

Applications close July 25, 2026

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Questions about the fellowship?

fellowship@utafitiwellness.org

8-Week Intensive Fellowship Journey

Each week combines expert-led sessions, applied exercises, and structured deliverables that build toward a complete Research Translation & Innovation Portfolio.

01
Foundations of Research Translation & Innovation

From research to real-world impact — understanding translation, innovation, and problem framing.

Output: Research problem statement + HMW framework
02
Community Context, Ethics & Stakeholder Engagement

Ethical frameworks, equity-driven innovation, and effective stakeholder mapping.

Output: Ethical reflection + Stakeholder map & strategy
03
Design Thinking for Research Translation

Converting research insights into actionable, user-centered solution concepts.

Output: Problem statement + Innovation concept note
04
Innovation Models, Pathways & Feasibility

Translation pathways (policy, programs, products) and feasibility assessment.

Output: Feasibility & Risk Assessment Matrix
05
Research Communication & Policy Engagement

Writing for decision-makers, policy briefs, and knowledge mobilization.

Output: 2-page Policy or Practice Brief
06
Implementation Planning, Piloting & Learning Systems

Designing ethical pilots, monitoring frameworks, and adaptive implementation.

Output: Pilot Implementation & Learning Plan
07
Impact Measurement, Scale & Sustainability

Indicators, scaling pathways, and long-term sustainability strategies.

Output: Impact, Scale & Sustainability Strategy
08
Showcase, Reflection & Professional Transition

Final presentations, portfolio completion, and alumni network integration.

Output: Showcase presentation + Complete Portfolio

Fellowship features

Research Translation

Learn systematic methods to convert complex research findings into actionable programs and policies.

Innovation Frameworks

Master design thinking, feasibility analysis, prototyping, and scaling pathways for health solutions.

Expert Mentorship

One-on-one guidance from researchers, policy advisors, and innovation practitioners.

Portfolio Development

Complete 8 concrete deliverables demonstrating your research translation competencies.

Cohort Network

Join a selective community of emerging research translation leaders across Africa.

Professional Credential

Earn a recognized certificate in Research Translation & Innovation from UWRA.

What you will produce

Research problem statement & HMW framework
Ethical reflection & stakeholder map
Innovation concept note
Feasibility & risk assessment matrix
Policy or practice brief (2 pages)
Pilot implementation & learning plan
Impact, scale & sustainability strategy
Complete Research Translation Portfolio

What we expect from fellows

Inclusive Communication

Jargon-free, accessible language for diverse audiences

Ethical Rigor

Equity awareness and responsible research practice

Active Participation

Peer learning and constructive feedback culture

Iterative Learning

Adaptation and continuous improvement mindset