+254 795 561 169 info@utafitiwellness.org
Cohort 1 2026

Ongoing

First cohort (Group A & B) • 40 fellows

Apply Now
Why This Fellowship

A Historic First Cohort:
Building the Foundation

As Utafiti Wellness Research Association launches its very first fellowship program, we're seeking 40 exceptional individuals who will become the pioneers of our mission to bridge the gap between academic research to community impact.

This is more than a fellowship—it's an invitation to shape the future of health research translation on the global landscape. As a founding fellow, you'll have the unique opportunity to help design, refine, and build a program that will serve generations of researchers to come.

8 - 10 weeks
Virtual
40
Fellows Selected
5+
Local & International Partners
Fully-funded
Free!!

"Be part of something historic. The first cohort always remembers—and is remembered."

— UWRA Fellowship Management Team

Your Fellowship Journey

Program Structure: 8-10 Week Virtual Curriculum

Two sessions per week • 1 hour each • real-time engagement with mentors, peers and practitioners.

Week 1

Foundations of Research Translation & Innovation

From Research to Real‑World Impact
  • Introduction to research translation & innovation
  • Academic vs translational outputs
  • Draft research problem statement
  • Stakeholder mapping & HMW framing
📄 Week 1 Output: Project concept + stakeholder map
Week 2

Community, Ethics & Engagement

Equity‑driven innovation
  • Ethical principles in translation
  • Community‑centred analysis
  • Stakeholder mapping exercise
  • Engagement strategy draft
📄 Week 2 Output: Ethical reflection + stakeholder map
Week 3

Design Thinking for Translation

Evidence → Solutions
  • User‑centred problem statements
  • Insight translation exercises
  • Solution ideation & filters
  • Early concept testing
📄 Week 3 Output: Problem statement + innovation concept note
Week 4

Innovation Models & Feasibility

Professionalising innovation
  • Translation pathways (policy, products, programs)
  • Feasibility & risk analysis
  • Context assessment
  • Risk matrix exercise
📊 Week 4 Output: Feasibility & risk matrix
Week 5

Communication & Policy Engagement

Knowledge mobilisation
  • Policy briefs, op‑eds, summaries
  • Engaging decision‑makers
  • Advocacy fundamentals
  • Non‑academic writing lab
📄 Week 5 Output: 2‑page policy/practice brief
Week 6

Implementation & Piloting

From plan to practice
  • Pilot design (scope, objectives)
  • Implementation roles
  • Learning questions & indicators
  • Adaptive loops
📄 Week 6 Output: Pilot implementation & learning plan
Week 7

Impact, Scale & Sustainability

Enduring impact
  • Outputs, outcomes, impact indicators
  • Scaling pathways
  • Sustainability models
  • Draft impact framework
📄 Week 7 Output: Impact, scale & sustainability strategy
Week 8-10

Showcase & Professional Transition

Fellow → practitioner
  • Final project showcase
  • Panel feedback
  • Career pathways reflection
  • Alumni network integration
🎓 Week 8-10 Output: Portfolio + showcase presentation

Professional standards: inclusive, jargon‑free, ethical, peer learning, constructive feedback.

Who Should Apply

Eligibility Criteria

Minimum Requirements

  • Open to any individuals/organizations interested in understanding how to translate research to impact
What You'll Receive

Fellowship Benefits

Mentorship

Guidance from experienced researchers, practitioners and research translation experts

Networking

Access to partner organizations and alumni network

Academic Research Support

Assistance in translatig personal research findings into an innovative solution

Certificate

Certificate of completion and recommendation letters

How to Apply

Application Process

1

Online Application

Complete the Google Form with personal details and academic history

2

Interview

Shortlisted candidates invited for interview (virtual) from 23rd - 27th March, 2026

Fellowship Details

Orientation & Starting Date

1

Orientation

Virtual Orientation, between 2nd and 3rd April, 2026

2

Commencement

The fellowship will begin on 5th April 2026, with the selected fellows notified on the specific dates of virtual sessions.

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a part-time commitment?

Yes! The fellowship is designed as a part-time program. Fellows are expected to dedicate 2 hours per week.

Can I apply if I'm still in university/college?

Yes. The first cohort is open to any individual at any level of studies, to both graduates or those still in academia, and researchers.

Are there any application fees?

NO!!! Utafiti Wellness Research Association "DOES NOT" charge any application fees for the cohort 1 of this fellowship. Beware of fraudulent requests for payment.

When will selections be announced?

Applications close March 17, 2026. Shortlisting by 22nd March, 2026 . Interviews: March 23-27. Final selections announced April 1st. Fellowship begins April 5th, 2026.

Can I apply with my own research idea?

Yes! We welcome innovative proposals and concepts aligned with our mission. Your concept note should demonstrate potential for community impact.