Each year the program recruits a small group of mid-career researchers and professionals to spend an academic year at the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health. The Takemi Program provides participants with the space, time, and flexibility to enhance their capacity for research and leadership. To do this, Fellows are linked to two key resources: the weekly Takemi Seminar Series, and expert faculty. In addition, Fellows have the opportunity for collaboration throughout the Harvard community, and may elect to deepen their knowledge of theory or practice through relevant coursework. Fellows draw on these resources to produce at least one paper of publishable quality.

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Program Structure

Takemi Fellows work independently, under the supervision of their advisor (a member of the Harvard faculty), and the Takemi Program Director, Michael Reich, and Executive Director, Jesse Bump.

Over the course of the Program, Fellows are expected to:

• Meet regularly with their faculty advisor to receive feedback on their project and assistance with their progress.
• Attend and participate in the Takemi Program weekly seminar
• Present research progress throughout the year via scheduled Preliminary, Mid-year, and Final presentations
• Submit a final paper of publishable quality before departing

In addition to this, Takemi Fellows are encouraged to:

• Audit classes at Harvard Chan School
• Attend Harvard Chan School seminars
• Attend Office of Faculty Affairs sponsored Postdoctoral Fellows courses

Seminars

The weekly Takemi Program Seminars are designed to provide an introduction to a wide range of research topics and methodologies by faculty at the School of Public Health. The seminar formats range from formal to informal, and are intended to be a forum for discussion between Fellows and Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) faculty and occasional visitors. Throughout the year, we welcome suggestions from Takemi Fellows on potential topics or speakers. Speakers will share their own perspectives; they do not speak for Harvard.

Areas of Research

The primary goals of research under the Takemi Program are to investigate how resources are allocated and used for health purposes and to develop methods for making such policy choices more rational and equitable. The Program promotes research on the world’s most urgent health needs, especially in the developing countries, and the most effective ways to meet them.

The research activities of the Takemi Program have a strong practical emphasis. Fellows carry out their research projects at Harvard, using data they bring with them. The projects are expected to be closely linked to action programs and to Fellows’ subsequent work after returning home. Program findings and results are disseminated widely and opportunities are sought to apply them in various settings.

You can find examples of previous research papers on the ‘past fellows’ tab on the left menu.

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Global Network of Takemi Fellows 1984–2019

 

Since its inception in 1983, 323 Takemi Fellows from 61 countries have been selected to participate in the Program. A list showing the geographical distribution appears below.

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Takemi Program Statement

The Takemi Program in International Health has been committed to building the capacities of mid-career researchers from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) since our inception in 1983. In most cases, Takemi Fellows have focused on LMICs, but some have addressed challenges in high-income countries. In recent months, the COVID-19 pandemic and many egregious instances of police brutality have highlighted systemic racism in the United States, disproportionately affecting the Black community especially, and endangering all minorities. The Takemi Program denounces racism in all its forms. As we reflect on the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and other African Americans, we note that racism, discrimination, and marginalization exist in many different forms in all countries. We would like to clarify that research investigating the legacies of slavery, segregation, colonialism, and other forms of structural racism and discrimination are within the purview of the Takemi Program and the work of our Fellows. We welcome proposals exploring issues relevant to African Americans and other minorities in the United States and in other countries.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does the Takemi Program provide funding or assistance in identifying funding? No. Fellows are required to identify their own sources of funding to support their fellowship year. If accepted we try to work with the candidate to identify possible funding sources.
2. What are the eligibility requirements for the Program? Applicants must have completed an advanced degree, have significant work and research experience, including publications in internationally recognized journals and have demonstrated potential leadership capacity in their home countries. Additionally we do require applicants submit proof of English language. Our program is primarily for individuals in their mid-career.
3. Do you have to reside in Boston during the fellowship or is there a remote option? We are an in person fellowship program and do not provide remote options.
4. I am concerned about securing housing – are there any resources available? Fellows may be eligible for the Harvard housing lottery. Many of our Fellows have found good advice regarding the move to the U.S. from the Harvard International Office website. The School is located in the Longwood Medical Area (LMA). When searching on Google, you can use 651 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115
5. Should I reach out to a faculty member I am interested in having as my faculty mentor? No. Once accepted to the Program we match fellows with their mentors based on background and proposed research.
6. When can I expect to hear about my candidacy? The application portal closes on December 31 every year. The candidate decision meeting takes place mid-February. Candidates can expect to hear by end of February early March.
7. How long is the fellowship? The fellowship is a full academic year – from August 1 through June 30.
8. I was unsuccessful last year, can I apply again? Yes, you are welcome to reapply.
9. Do I need to have all of my data collected in advance of the start of the Program? Yes, this is mandatory. We do not support active data gathering activities under the Program.
10. How strict is the research proposal page limit? Please keep to the stated guidelines.
11. How to referees submit their letters? What happens if I need to change a reference after I have submitted? You will submit the email addresses and names for three references. Once you submit your application, they will receive an automated email to submit their references to takemi@hsph.harvard.edu.
12. How can I confirm that my application has been successfully submitted? Feel free to email takemi@hsph.harvard.edu.
13. What makes the Takemi Program unique compared to other programs? We are one of the oldest programs of its kind. In 2023 we will be celebrating out 40^th anniversary. During this time we have welcomed over 300 fellows from 55+ countries. The program provides fellows with the space, time, and flexibility to enhance their capacity for research and leadership.