Research Translation & Innovation Fellowship

COHORT UPDATES

Cohort information

Current status of all fellowship cohorts.

Completed

Cohort 1

Successfully completed in April 2026. 35+ fellows trained, now active in research translation roles across Africa & beyond.

Active

Cohort 2

Currently active – fellows are engaged in training, mentorship, and applied projects.

To be Announced

Cohort 3

Applications will be communicated via our website and social media channels. Stay tuned.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Build your research translation & innovation portfolio

The Research Translation & Innovation Fellowship is an intensive 8-week program for students, emerging researchers, health professionals, and community practitioners who want to bridge the gap between evidence and action.

Program Structure

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

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

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

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

Program Commitment

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

Questions about the fellowship?

fellowship@utafitiwellness.org

CURRICULUM

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.

Foundations of Research Translation & Innovation

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

Output: Research problem statement + HMW framework

Community Context, Ethics & Stakeholder Engagement

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

Output: Ethical reflection + Stakeholder map & strategy

Design Thinking for Research Translation

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

Output: Problem statement + Innovation concept note

Innovation Models, Pathways & Feasibility

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

Output: Feasibility & Risk Assessment Matrix

Research Communication & Policy Engagement

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

Output: 2-page Policy or Practice Brief

Implementation Planning, Piloting & Learning Systems

Designing ethical pilots, monitoring frameworks, and adaptive implementation.

Output: Pilot Implementation & Learning Plan

Impact Measurement, Scale & Sustainability

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

Output: Impact, Scale & Sustainability Strategy

Showcase, Reflection & Professional Transition

Final presentations, portfolio completion, and alumni network integration.

Output: Showcase presentation + Complete Portfolio

WHY JOIN

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.

FELLOWSHIP OUTPUTS

What you will produce

Over the 8 weeks, you will build a comprehensive portfolio of practical outputs.

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

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

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

TESTIMONIALS

What fellows say

“The UWRA Fellowship transformed my approach to research. I now see research not as an end in itself, but as a tool for community change. The mentorship and peer support were invaluable.”

— Ms. Sawia Hassan

Cohort 1 Fellow, Mental Health Researcher

“This program gave me the practical skills I needed to engage with policymakers and communities. I've already applied what I learned to influence maternal health policy in my county.”

— Mr. Peter Olewu

Cohort 1 Fellow, Policy Analyst