JThe GOARN Berlin Fellowship Programme 2026 is a prestigious international fellowship designed to strengthen global capacity in epidemic intelligence, outbreak response, and public health emergency preparedness. The program is jointly coordinated by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence, and the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN).

This six-month fellowship provides public health professionals with the opportunity to design and implement impactful projects that improve surveillance systems, strengthen outbreak response capabilities, and contribute to global health security. The program equips fellows with advanced skills in public health surveillance, emergency response, and epidemic intelligence while fostering collaboration with leading global health experts and institutions.

The fellowship is designed for professionals working within GOARN partner institutions and technical networks worldwide. Participants gain hands-on experience through mentorship, research, and collaborative projects while contributing to the development of innovative strategies that enhance global preparedness for future health emergencies.

Overview of the GOARN Berlin Fellowship Programme

The GOARN Berlin Fellowship is a six-month project-based training and research fellowship aimed at developing the next generation of global health leaders. Participants undertake a project related to epidemic intelligence, public health surveillance, outbreak control, or emergency preparedness.

The fellowship focuses on strengthening the capacity of institutions around the world to detect and respond to emerging public health threats. By working closely with experts from leading global health organizations, fellows gain practical insights and advanced knowledge that can be applied in their home institutions and countries.

Key objectives of the fellowship include:

• Enhancing expertise in epidemic intelligence and disease surveillance

• Strengthening global collaboration in outbreak response and public health preparedness

• Supporting innovative research and operational projects that improve early warning systems

• Developing leadership capacity among public health professionals

• Building stronger international networks of public health experts

Through the fellowship, participants become part of a global network of professionals working together to improve health security worldwide.

Fellowship Structure and Tracks

Beginning with the 2026 cohort, the GOARN Berlin Fellowship Programme offers two flexible participation tracks, allowing fellows to tailor their experience to their professional circumstances and goals.

1. Berlin Track

Under the Berlin Track, fellows relocate to Berlin, Germany, where they are based at the WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence and the Robert Koch Institute.

During their stay, fellows collaborate with global experts and participate in intensive training sessions, workshops, and project development activities. This track offers a fully immersive experience within one of the world’s leading public health ecosystems.

2. Country Track

The Country Track allows fellows to implement their projects while remaining in their home country or institution.

Although fellows work primarily within their local context, they still participate in joint training programs and collaborative activities in Berlin and Geneva. This flexible approach enables professionals who cannot relocate for the full six months to benefit from the fellowship while contributing directly to capacity development in their home institutions.

Both tracks provide fellows with equal opportunities to engage in mentorship, collaborative research, and global health networking.

Fellowship Duration

The GOARN Berlin Fellowship runs for six months, during which fellows focus on implementing their project while receiving expert mentorship and training.

The program is structured around:

• Project development and implementation

• Mentorship and technical guidance

• Training workshops and seminars

• Collaborative activities with global health experts

• Cohort learning experiences

Throughout the fellowship, participants engage with professionals from international public health agencies, research institutions, and government health authorities.

Institutions Coordinating the Fellowship

The GOARN Berlin Fellowship Programme is a collaborative initiative coordinated by several leading global health organizations:

Robert Koch Institute (RKI)

The Robert Koch Institute is Germany’s national public health institute and plays a central role in disease surveillance, epidemiological research, and health protection.

WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence

This World Health Organization hub focuses on improving global surveillance systems by using data and analytics to detect and respond to emerging health threats.

Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN)

GOARN is a global network of institutions and experts coordinated by the World Health Organization that responds to public health emergencies and disease outbreaks worldwide.

Together, these organizations provide fellows with access to cutting-edge research environments, advanced data tools, and global expertise in epidemic intelligence.

Fields and Areas of Work

Projects developed during the fellowship typically focus on areas such as:

• Epidemic intelligence

• Public health surveillance systems

• Outbreak detection and response

• Pandemic preparedness and response strategies

• Risk assessment and emergency management

• Early warning systems for infectious diseases

• Data-driven public health decision making

These projects contribute directly to strengthening national and global capacities for disease surveillance and outbreak response.

Benefits of the GOARN Berlin Fellowship

Participants in the GOARN Berlin Fellowship Programme receive numerous professional and academic benefits, including:

Advanced Training

Fellows participate in training programs designed to strengthen skills in epidemic intelligence, outbreak response, and data analysis.

Mentorship from Global Experts

Participants receive mentorship from leading experts at the Robert Koch Institute, WHO Hub, and GOARN.

International Collaboration

The fellowship connects participants with global networks of public health professionals and institutions.

Practical Project Implementation

Fellows work on real-world projects that strengthen surveillance systems and outbreak preparedness in their home institutions.

Professional Networking

Participants build long-term collaborations with international researchers, policymakers, and public health experts.

Global Health Leadership Development

The program prepares fellows to become leaders in epidemic intelligence and public health emergency response.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the GOARN Berlin Fellowship Programme, candidates must meet several eligibility requirements.

Institutional Eligibility

Applicants must be working at a GOARN partner institution or technical network. Only professionals affiliated with these institutions are eligible to apply.

Professional Background

Candidates should be public health professionals with experience in areas such as:

• Epidemiology

• Disease surveillance

• Emergency preparedness and response

• Public health research

• Risk communication and outbreak management

Project Proposal

Applicants are typically required to submit a project proposal related to epidemic intelligence, surveillance, or outbreak response.

Professional Commitment

Candidates should demonstrate a strong commitment to improving public health systems and contributing to global health security.

Eligible Countries and Regions

The fellowship is open to applicants from institutions that are members of the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network.

GOARN partner institutions are located across multiple regions, including:

• Africa

• Asia

• Europe

• The Americas

• The Middle East

• Oceania

Because GOARN is a global network, professionals from many countries worldwide may be eligible to apply if their organization is part of the network.

Who Should Apply

The fellowship is ideal for professionals who:

• Work in national public health institutes

• Serve in ministries of health

• Conduct public health research

• Participate in outbreak response teams

• Work in international health organizations

• Contribute to epidemic surveillance systems

The program is particularly beneficial for professionals seeking to strengthen their expertise in epidemic intelligence and contribute to the improvement of disease surveillance systems in their home countries.

Impact of the Fellowship

The GOARN Berlin Fellowship Programme has already supported public health professionals from multiple countries in developing innovative projects that strengthen surveillance systems and outbreak preparedness.

Fellows from previous cohorts have worked on projects such as:

• Improving early warning systems for infectious disease outbreaks

• Strengthening national surveillance platforms

• Enhancing risk assessment frameworks for public health emergencies

• Developing new approaches to epidemic intelligence

These initiatives contribute to building stronger, data-driven public health systems worldwide.

How to Apply

Applicants interested in the fellowship should follow these steps:

1. Confirm that their institution is a GOARN partner organization.

2. Contact their institution’s GOARN focal point for application guidance.

3. Prepare a project proposal related to epidemic intelligence or outbreak response.

4. Complete the official application process through the program’s designated application channels.

Because the program accepts a limited number of fellows, applicants are encouraged to submit strong proposals that demonstrate innovation, feasibility, and potential impact on global health.

Apply here

Application Deadline

16th March 2026 at 17:00 CET

Applicants should ensure all required documents and project proposals are submitted before the deadline.The GOARN Berlin Fellowship Programme is one of the most impactful global health training opportunities available to public health professionals today. By combining advanced training, real-world project implementation, and collaboration with leading global health institutions, the fellowship equips participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to strengthen outbreak preparedness and response worldwide. Professionals working in public health institutions that are part of the GOARN network are strongly encouraged to apply for this prestigious fellowship and contribute to building stronger global health systems capable of responding to future epidemics and pandemics.

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