The Digital Transformations for Health Lab (DTH-Lab) has officially announced the 2026 Research Fellowship Programme, a highly competitive global opportunity designed to empower emerging researchers and professionals interested in digital health, public policy, and technological transformation in healthcare systems.

This prestigious fellowship provides students and early-career professionals from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) the chance to contribute to cutting-edge research projects shaping the future of digital health governance and policy worldwide.

The fellowship is part of the organization’s mission to develop the next generation of global health leaders capable of navigating the complex intersection of technology, public health, and global governance. Through this program, selected fellows will collaborate with leading experts, contribute to meaningful research initiatives, and help shape innovative policies for digital health transformation.

About the Digital Transformations for Health Lab (DTH-Lab)

The Digital Transformations for Health Lab is a global consortium that works at the intersection of digital technology, public health systems, and governance. The organization focuses on implementing recommendations from the Lancet and Financial Times Commission on Governing Health Futures 2030, emphasizing value-driven and youth-centered digital health transformations.

DTH-Lab collaborates with policymakers, academic institutions, global health organizations, and youth leaders to advance innovative approaches that improve health outcomes through technology.

Its work focuses on:

• Digital health policy and governance

• Health data systems and public health technology

• Youth participation in global health transformation

• AI and emerging technologies in healthcare

• Digital well-being and technology-driven public health solutions

Through fellowships like this one, the organization builds the capacity of future health leaders who can guide governments and institutions through the rapidly evolving digital healthcare landscape.

Purpose of the DTH-Lab Research Fellowship Programme

The DTH-Lab Research Fellowship was designed to nurture young professionals who want to influence how digital technologies shape public health policies and healthcare systems.

The fellowship program has three major goals:

1. Build the Capacity of Future Health Leaders

Participants will gain hands-on experience conducting research related to digital health governance and innovation. The program equips fellows with critical analytical, research, and policy skills needed in global health leadership.

2. Advance Research on Digital Health Transformation

Fellows will contribute to research projects that explore how digital technologies influence healthcare systems, health equity, and youth well-being.

3. Promote Youth Engagement in Health Policy

The fellowship encourages young professionals to play a meaningful role in shaping digital health strategies at national and international levels.

Ultimately, the program aims to develop a new generation of researchers and policymakers capable of addressing the ethical, technological, and societal implications of digital health systems.

Research Topics for the 2026 Fellowship

For the 2026 cohort, selected fellows will work on research projects addressing some of the most urgent issues in digital health transformation.

Key research themes include:

1. National Policies for Young People’s Digital Well-Being

This research explores how governments design policies that protect young people in digital environments while promoting positive digital experiences and mental well-being.

2. Digital Determinants of Health in Africa

This topic examines how digital access, connectivity, data governance, and technology infrastructure influence public health outcomes across the African continent.

3. Digital Citizenship for Health

This research focuses on building frameworks that enable individuals to responsibly use digital technologies to improve personal and community health.

4. Artificial Intelligence and the Health Workforce

Participants will examine how AI technologies are transforming healthcare delivery and redefining roles within the healthcare workforce.

5. Emerging Roles in an AI-Enabled Health Workforce

This research investigates how healthcare professionals must adapt as artificial intelligence becomes integrated into clinical practice and health systems.

Each fellow will contribute to a specific research area, producing insights that may inform global digital health policies.

Who Can Apply

The DTH-Lab Research Fellowship Programme 2026 is open to a specific group of individuals with strong interest in digital health, public health research, and policy development.

Eligible Applicants

Applicants must fall into one of the following categories:

• University students

• Early-career researchers

• Young professionals in health, policy, or technology sectors

• Professionals interested in digital health transformation

• Researchers exploring digital governance or AI in healthcare

The program targets individuals who are passionate about shaping the future of healthcare through digital innovation and research.

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Countries and Regions Eligible to Apply

The fellowship is open to applicants from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) around the world.

This means candidates may apply from regions including:

• Africa

• Asia

• Latin America

• The Caribbean

• Middle East

• Other LMIC regions globally

Applicants must be based in one of these eligible countries at the time of application.

Key Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the DTH-Lab Research Fellowship Programme, applicants should meet several important criteria.

1. Academic or Professional Background

Applicants should have a background in fields such as:

• Public health

• Health policy

• Digital health

• Technology and data science

• Global health

• Public policy

• Artificial intelligence in healthcare

• Health governance

• Development studies

2. Career Stage

The fellowship specifically targets:

• Students

• Early-career researchers

• Young professionals at the beginning stages of their careers

3. Interest in Digital Health Governance

Applicants must demonstrate a clear interest in the intersection of:

• Technology

• Health systems

• Policy development

• Digital governance

4. Research and Analytical Skills

Candidates should have strong research and analytical capabilities, as the fellowship focuses heavily on policy analysis and academic research.

Benefits of the Fellowship

Being selected as a DTH-Lab Research Fellow provides numerous academic and professional advantages.

1. Global Research Experience – Fellows will work on impactful projects exploring the future of digital health systems.

2. Collaboration With Global Experts – Participants will collaborate with researchers, policymakers, and international health experts.

3. Career Development – The program helps fellows develop key competencies such as:

• Research methodology

• Policy analysis

• Health governance expertise

• International collaboration skills

4. Exposure to Global Health Policy – Fellows gain insight into how digital technologies influence healthcare governance and policy decisions worldwide.

5. Contribution to Global Digital Health Discussions – Research produced through the fellowship may influence international debates on digital health transformation.

Why This Fellowship Matters

Digital technology is rapidly transforming healthcare systems around the world. From artificial intelligence to telemedicine and digital data systems, technology is reshaping how healthcare services are delivered and governed.

However, these transformations also raise complex questions related to:

• Ethics

• Equity

• Data governance

• Health access

• Digital rights

The DTH-Lab Research Fellowship Programme provides a unique platform for emerging leaders to contribute to solving these challenges.

By engaging students and young professionals in meaningful research and policy discussions, the program ensures that future digital health systems are designed to benefit communities worldwide.

Important Dates

• Applications Open: 30th March 2026

• Application Deadline: 12th April 2026

The 2026 DTH-Lab Research Fellowship Programme is an exceptional opportunity for students and early-career professionals from low- and middle-income countries to become actively involved in shaping the future of global health systems. Participants will gain valuable research experience, collaborate with global experts, and contribute to discussions that influence how digital technologies transform healthcare worldwide.

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