Takemi Program in International Health
The Takemi Program in International Health seeks to improve health and health systems around the world by welcoming mid-career health professionals and scholars to the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health to conduct path breaking research and develop their leadership skills.
665 Huntington Avenue, Bldg. 1, Room 1210
Boston, MA 021151, USA
Program Overview
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.
Program Structure
Takemi Fellows work independently, under the supervision of their advisor (a member of the Harvard faculty), and with guidance from the Takemi Program Director Aya Goto, Executive Director Jesse Bump, and Senior Advisor Michael R. Reich.
Over the course of the Program, Fellows are expected to:
- Meet regularly with their faculty advisor to receive feedback on their research 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 and a poster before departing
In addition to this, Takemi Fellows are encouraged to:
- Audit classes at Harvard Chan School
- Attend Harvard Chan School seminars and events
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 Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and distinguished visitors. The seminar formats range from formal to informal, and are intended to be a forum for discussion between Fellows and faculty and occasional visitors. Throughout the year, we welcome suggestions from Takemi Fellows on potential topics or speakers.
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 effective and equitable. The Program promotes research on the world’s most urgent health needs, especially in low- and middle-income countries, and the most effective ways to meet them.
The research activities of the Takemi Program have a strong practical emphasis of listening and responding to the community’s needs. Fellows carry out their research projects using data they bring with them. The projects are expected to be closely linked to action and to Fellows’ subsequent work after returning home.
Global Network of Takemi Fellows 1984–2024
Since its inception in 1983, 330 Takemi Fellows from 62 countries have been selected to participate in the Program. A list showing the geographical distribution appears below.
Since its inception in 1983, 330 Takemi Fellows from 62 countries have been selected to participate in the Program. A list showing the geographical distribution appears below.
17
North America
28
South America
70
Africa
14
Middle East
3
Central Asia
5
Eastern Europe
16
Europe
15
South East Asia
33
South Asia
122
East Asia
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 years, 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. Another example is a study on the psychosocial aspects of mental health among the Palestinian minority in Israel.
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 such proposals exploring issues relevant to African Americans and other minorities in the United States and in other countries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Program has limited internal funding mechanisms. Through a generous donation from the Japan Pharmaceutical Medical Association, we are able to provide two fellows from low-income countries partial support. This funding allocation is made at the same time as the acceptance of a fellow. For those who are not eligible for this funding mechanism or who were not awarded the funding, Fellows should plan 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.
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.
We are an in person fellowship program and do not provide remote options.
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
No. Once accepted to the Program we match fellows with their mentors based on background and proposed research. If you already work with a faculty, please mention it in your application documents.
The application portal closes on December 31 every year. The candidate decision meeting takes place mid-February. Candidates can expect to hear by March.
The fellowship is a full academic year – from August 1 through June 30. The program orientation takes place in late August and the certificate ceremony in early May. Fellows are expected to arrive before the orientation.
Yes, you are welcome to reapply.
Yes, this is mandatory. We do not support active data gathering activities under the Program.
Please keep to the stated guidelines.
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.
Feel free to email takemi@hsph.harvard.edu.
We are the oldest continuing mid-career research and training program in global health. In 2023 we celebrated our 40th anniversary. Over the past four decades, we have welcomed at Harvard over 330 fellows from 62+ countries. The program provides Fellows with the space, time, and flexibility to enhance their capacity for research and leadership in global health.