Fred H. Bixby Fellowship Program: Overview/FAQs

The application deadline is 15 January 2012.

The Population Council offers a fellowship program to expand training opportunities for social scientists and biomedical researchers in the health and population fields. This fellowship is geared toward developing-country nationals in the early stages of their careers, and to those with a demonstrated commitment to remaining in their home countries to build capacity in local institutions or returning home after working/studying abroad. The Council's Fred H. Bixby Fellowship Program is a ten-year program that began in January 2007. The program offers a limited number of fellowships each year. The Fred H. Bixby Fellowship Program allows fellows to work with experienced mentors in the Council's network of offices. Fellows work on projects in the following program areas:

• HIV and AIDS
• Poverty, Gender, and Youth
• Reproductive Health
  
  

Donor

This fellowship program is made possible through a generous grant from the Fred H. Bixby Foundation. Fred H. Bixby (1910?72) was a Californian rancher who provided in his will for the creation of the Fred H. Bixby Foundation to support activities related to issues of population.

Frequently asked questions

• When is the application deadline? 
  The deadline for applications is 15 January 2012.
• May I still submit an application even if I don't have a specific Population Council mentor with whom to work?
  No, all applicants must have the agreement in writing of a staff mentor with whom they will collaborate before proceeding with the application. 
  
• Am I eligible for the fellowship if I have not yet completed my degree but anticipate doing so in 2012?  
  Candidates who will complete all requirements for a degree program before 30 June 2011 are eligible for this year's competition.  
  
• What is the definition of "recent" graduate? 
  Recently awarded degrees typically will have been awarded between one and three years ago, but certainly within the past five years.  
  
• May I apply for the fellowship if I am a US citizen? 
  No, only citizens of developing countries may apply for the fellowship. 
  
• May I work on the fellowship on a part-time basis?
  No, the program requires a full-time commitment by fellows for two years. The continuation of the fellowship in the second year is contingent upon a successful evaluation and review of performance in the first year. Other research, work, or studies cannot be undertaken during this time.  
  
• If I am interested in working on a project about HIV, must I choose a mentor with an HIV and AIDS program affiliation?
  Not necessarily. Much of the research and programs carried out by the Population Council span program areas. A reproductive health project may have an HIV and AIDS component, and a program for young people may include reproductive health elements. Similarly, a mentor's research interests may bridge two or more programs. To learn more about a mentor's projects or research interests, visit his or her bio pages. 
  
• Whom may I contact for more information?
  Questions about the program may be directed to the fellowship coordinator [email protected]. You may also read more about the program on a fact sheet (PDF).