Training the Next Generation
Learn MoreThe T37 Northwestern University Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Training Program (NU-MHRT), directed by Melissa A. Simon, MD, MPH, Director of the Center for Health Equity Transformation, provides health disparities research training experiences to minority and other underrepresented students and trainees at the undergraduate through postdoctoral levels in order to prepare and enhance the next generation of health sciences researchers committed to improving minority health and reducing health disparities. This program is open to people from across the United States, not just to people affiliated with Northwestern University.
Trainees can focus their research and skill development in any aspect of interest that advances health equity, including but not limited to basic, translational, clinical, and population science. Research theme areas can include women’s health, cancer, health care quality and patient-centered outcomes (PCOR), chronic diseases, global health, mental health, etc.
Training Levels
Click your training level below to learn more information about program details. All training opportunities are full-time for the duration of each program.
Undergraduate
- Eligibility: Juniors and seniors working toward a bachelor’s degree
- Duration: 12 weeks
- Program Start: Summer
- Anticipated Deliverable (at a minimum): development of one scientific abstract by the end of the summer
- Monthly stipend: $1,137
Post-baccalaureate
- Eligibility: Individuals with a bachelor’s degree
- Duration: 12 weeks, 6 months, or 12 months
- Program Start: Rolling admissions for each quarter
- Anticipated Deliverable (at a minimum): development of one scientific abstract by the end of the program; co-authorship on a peer-reviewed publication for 6-12 month programs
- Monthly stipend: $1,548
Predoctoral
- Eligibility: Enrolled in PhD or equivalent research-related doctoral degree program, having completed required coursework and qualifying examinations. Health-professional students (e.g., medical students) are also eligible if they are able to interrupt their studies for 6-12 months to engage in full-time research training before completing their formal academic programs
- Duration: 12 weeks, 6 months, or 12 months
- Program Start: Rolling admissions for each quarter
- Anticipated Deliverables (at a minimum): development of one scientific abstract by the end of the 12-week program OR submission of one peer-reviewed manuscript and one scientific abstract by the end of the 6-12-month program
- Monthly stipend: $2,153
Postdoctoral
- Eligibility: Enrolled in post-doctoral research program or having completed advanced degree
- Duration: 12 to 24 months
- Program Start: Rolling admissions for each quarter
- Anticipated Deliverables (at a minimum): For MD trainees—submission of one peer-reviewed manuscript and one scientific conference abstract; for PhD trainees—submission of one first-author, peer-reviewed manuscript; two scientific conference abstracts; one seed grant
- Monthly stipend: $4,480+ (rate depends on program year)
- Exclusion: Receipt of extramural funding (e.g., K-award, T32, or any other federal funding)
Application Requirements
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
All applicants must be U.S. Citizens, non-citizen U.S. nationals, or permanent residents to be eligible.
This online application includes submission of the following materials. All attachments should be in .PDF format.
- An application form;
- An up-to-date curriculum vitae or resume (include all relevant research experience, publications, poster sessions, conference presentations, speaking engagements, work products, etc.);
- Required for undergraduates and post-baccalaureate only: College transcripts (unofficial transcripts are accepted);
- Names and contact information for three references (at least one must be a faculty member). Letters of recommendation are not required; and
- Two separate, brief essays on the following topics:
- TOPIC #1. What are the reasons you want to participate in Northwestern University's Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Training Program (NU-MHRT)? Include a discussion of your strengths and qualifications for the program and how this training experience will fit with your career plans (up to 300 words).
- TOPIC #2. What research area(s) interests you, and why would you like to focus on health disparities in your research? Optional: If you have a specific idea of how you would like to apply a health equity lens to a research topic, please detail that here (up to 300 words).
If you have any questions, please contact Evan Charney at evan.charney@northwestern.edu.
The Center for Health Equity Transformation is a joint center between the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University and the Institute for Public Health and Medicine.
