Global Fellows
Supporting Faculty to Build Knowledge Globally
The International Center’s theme of learning without borders extends to our faculty and research community. Through the Global Fellows Program, UF faculty can kick-start their international research program. A seed grant of $5,000 provides faculty an opportunity to lay the groundwork for conducting international research. Faculty can use these funds to cover expenses to travel to collect field data, to meet with international scholars, to access resources not available at UF, and to support any activity that advances research abroad.
Applications for the 2026–2027 Global Fellows cycle are now OPEN.
Eligibility
The Global Fellows Program is open to:
- Early-career UF faculty within the first ten years of their academic career.
- Tenure-track faculty and other faculty with a research assignment from any UF college or school.
- Previous Global Fellows are not eligible to reapply. This allows the program to extend the opportunity to a broader group of early-career faculty and expand its impact across UF.
- Adjuncts and visiting faculty are not eligible.
Award & Funding
- $5,000 travel stipend award to Fellow
- $1,000 mentoring grant is provided to Mentor
Requirements
- Attend the program orientation, final symposium, and at least five of the six workshops
- Complete an international research trip within one year of receiving the award
- Meet regularly with their on-campus mentor
- Complete all required surveys during the program, including the post-trip survey
Workshops
- Orientation: Friday, January 15, 2027, 1 – 3 pm (Room G320, Reitz Union
- Workshop 1: Friday, January 29, 2027, 9 – 11 am (Room 145, International Center - The Hub @ 1765 Stadium Road)
Finding Funding to Support International Research
- Workshop 2: Friday, February 5, 2027, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm (Room 223A Grinter Hall, Office of Research)
Visit to the UF Office of Research
- Workshop 3: Friday, February 26, 2027, 9 – 11 am (Room 145, International Center - The Hub @ 1765 Stadium Road)
How to Get the Help you Need and Successfully Navigate the IRB, Export Controls, and Other International Research Requirements
- Workshop 4: Friday, March 12, 2027, 9 – 11 am (Room 145, International Center - The Hub @ 1765 Stadium Road)
International Partnerships and Agreements
- Workshop 5: Friday, April 2, 2027, 9 – 11 am (Room 145, International Center - The Hub @ 1765 Stadium Road)
Engaging Students and Internationalizing the Curriculum, Study Abroad, Experiential Learning and More
- Workshop 6: Friday April 16, 2027, 9 – 11 am (Room 145, International Center - The Hub @ 1765 Stadium Road)
Broader Impacts – Measuring Scientific Merit and Impact on Society, Education and Outreach
- Final Symposium: Friday, April 30, 2027, 9 am – 1 pm (Room G330, Reitz Union)
Building Capacity for International Research and Collaboration
Application Timeline
- Application Deadline: Friday, October 16, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET
- Award Notification: Late-October
Information Sessions
The Office for Global Research Engagement (OGRE) hosts virtual and in-person information sessions each fall. These sessions provide an overview of the program, guidance on applications, and time for Q&A.
IN-PERSON Information Session
THURSDAY | SEPTEMBER 17 | 1–2 P.M. | UF International Center Large Conference Room
VIRTUAL Information Session
THURSDAY | OCTOBER 1 | 1–2 P.M. | Zoom
Register for an information session and join our interest list.
Submission Process
The proposal package must include:
Application Cover Sheet
Download and complete the 2027 Global Fellows Program Application Cover Sheet (Word)
The completed cover sheet must be included as the first page of your application PDF.
1 - Personal Statement of Interest (maximum two pages)
The statement should address:
- Reasons for applying to the Global Fellows Program
- International research goals and the purpose of the proposed trip
- Previous international experience and related funding
- Existing or prior relationships with the international institution, including shared areas of interest
- Expected measurable outcomes of the proposed research
- How participation will benefit your research trajectory, your department/college, UF, and the international partner institution
- Your commitment to attending program workshops and fully engaging in all fellowship activities
2 - Name of Faculty Mentor and Mentor Letter of Support
The mentor’s letter should:
- Confirm support for your international research engagement
- Demonstrate a commitment to working with you throughout the fellowship period
3 - Letter of Support from Department Chair, School Director, or Dean
4 - Abbreviated CV (maximum two pages)
- The CV should highlight relevant research experience, international activities, and accomplishments that support your application.
Application Form
Now accepting applications for the 2026–2027 Global Fellows Program.
Global Fellows Awardees
Since its launch, the Global Fellows Program has supported early-career faculty across UF’s colleges, fostering international collaborations that have led to publications, external grants, training programs, research and student engagement, and long-term institutional partnerships.
Explore the Global Fellows Directory to discover current and past fellows, learn about their research interests, global engagement and study regions, and identify potential collaborators.
Testimonials
"The Global Fellows Program provided an opportunity to discover the resources and expertise available for supporting international research. I gained a new high-level view of the international research ecosystem at UF, as well as insight into funding and networking opportunities outside of UF. What I did not expect was how tight-knit our Global Fellows cohort became."
- Robert Lamb, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Nature Coast Biological Station, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS), IFAS, 2026 Cohort.
"The program has been transformative in expanding my research to Latin America and building meaningful partnerships in Ecuador, Guatemala, and Mexico. Its support has been instrumental in creating sustainable research infrastructures that extend far beyond a single project. I am deeply grateful for how this program has amplified both my scholarship and UF’s commitment to global impact."
- Di Yang, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Geography, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS), 2026 Cohort.
"The Global Fellows Program provided a supportive environment to learn about global initiatives, valuable resources, and a wide range of global research happening across UF. One of the most impactful aspects was our cohort – an inspiring group of scholars who shared their experiences and insights. The program also equipped me with practical tools to advance my research globally. This program is a must for anyone seeking to expand their research globally, connect with current researcher at UF doing international research, and learn about the vast resources at UF!"
- Rahma Mkuu, PhD, MPH, Assistant Professor, Department of Health Outcomes & Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, 2025 Cohort.
Questions?
Please contact Dr. Aghane (Agnes) Antunes, Global Fellows Program Coordinator, at aantunes@ufic.ufl.edu, or 352-273-1987.
149
Global Fellows since 2016
75
UF Departments Represented. Participation reflects the breadth of UF’s research and global engagement.
$700K+
Seed Funding Awarded