Fellowship / Training Program

Fellowship / Training Program – Implementation Research Institute (IRI)

Program Overview

The Implementation Research Institute (IRI) offers a nationally recognized training program designed to prepare early to mid-career investigators to become leaders in implementation science with a focus on mental health. The fellowship provides a rigorous, two-year experience that combines structured coursework, individualized mentorship, and collaborative learning.

The program is funded to advance the career development of promising researchers who seek to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and routine clinical practice, thereby improving the quality and accessibility of mental health services.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

The IRI fellowship is intended for investigators at the early to mid-career stage who demonstrate a strong commitment to implementation science in mental health. Competitive applicants typically:

  • Hold a doctoral degree (e.g., PhD, MD, or equivalent).

  • Have prior research training or experience in mental health or related fields.

  • Show evidence of scholarly productivity and potential for independent research.

  • Demonstrate a commitment to advancing implementation science through their career trajectory.

Admission is highly competitive, with fellows selected based on the strength of their research background, the alignment of their interests with IRI’s mission, and their potential for leadership in the field.

Program Components

The IRI fellowship integrates multiple learning modalities to support the professional development of each fellow. Core components include:

  • Annual Summer Institute – An intensive training session featuring didactic instruction, workshops, and peer-to-peer learning.

  • Ongoing Mentorship – Individualized guidance from nationally recognized faculty in implementation science and mental health research.

  • Research Development Support – Structured feedback on grant applications, manuscripts, and study designs.

  • Collaborative Network Building – Opportunities to engage with a national community of fellows, alumni, and faculty.

  • Specialized Seminars and Workshops – Training in advanced research methods, conceptual frameworks, and strategies for real-world application.

Benefits of Participation

Fellows gain:

  • Advanced expertise in implementation science theories, methods, and applications.

  • Sustained mentorship from leading experts in mental health services research.

  • Opportunities for professional networking and interdisciplinary collaboration.

  • Structured support in preparing competitive grant proposals and peer-reviewed publications.

  • Inclusion in a national network of scholars influencing mental health research, policy, and practice.

Application Process

Applications for the IRI fellowship are accepted annually. The process includes submission of:

  • A statement of research interests and career goals.

  • Curriculum vitae.

  • Proposed research plan or area of inquiry.

  • Letters of recommendation from senior colleagues or mentors.

All applications undergo a rigorous peer-review process. Selected fellows will be notified according to the published application timeline.

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Alumni Success

Graduates of the IRI fellowship have secured independent research funding, published influential studies, and assumed leadership roles in academia, government, and health systems. Collectively, alumni represent a growing national network advancing the science and practice of evidence-based mental health care.