The Ban Ki-moon Foundation, Paris Brain Institute, and the Vascular Brain Health Institute, in partnership with the BrainLat Institute, Global Brain Health Institute, and Global Brain Care Coalition, announce that the call for applications for the “Global Brain Care Scholars” Program are open from September 8 to 22, 2026. This unique initiative offers ten outstanding scholars the opportunity to learn, connect, and collaborate for better global brain health for all.

WHO CAN APPLY?

  • A passionate professional, aged 20 to 35 years, working in the field of brain health (medical doctor, neurologist, psychiatrist, community health worker, neuroscientist, neuro-engineer, AI/digital health professional, public health researcher, social worker);
  • Experienced in research, care, advocacy, policy, digital innovation, or related fields;
  • A citizen/national of one of the following countries: Benin, Cameroon, Kenya, Mauritius, Nigeria, Senegal, India, Thailand, Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, or Venezuela;
  • Ready to address brain health in your local community by proposing and implementing a localized Changemaker Project during the Scholarship period (February – June 2027);
  • Keen to learn more about stroke, dementia, and depression, the economic models and entrepreneurship surrounding them, and innovative methods to promote prevention during an in-person winter school at the Paris Brain Institute in January 2027;
  • A master’s graduate with at least a B2 English level.

Besides having the opportunity to broaden your network and increase your knowledge and skillset for brain health and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), you will receive a range of benefits. These include full cost coverage for an in-person winter school training at the Paris Brain Institute, virtual expert workshops, an opportunity for one-on-one mentoring, and a EUR 800,00 seed grant to support the implementation of your Changemaker Project to be distributed after the successful submission of a project proposal. An additional award will be given to the three top scholars to participate in a larger conference. A Certificate of Achievement will be awarded after the successful completion of your project.

APPLY NOW