LEAD Global Training Program

Training LEADers to Accelerate Global Mental Health Disparities Research Program

2024 LEAD Application Info Session

We held an informational session on Monday, November 27, 2023 at 11:00 am -12:00 pm CST. Please click below for the session recording and slides. (Applications are now closed for Summer 2024).

The LEAD Global Training Program recruits and trains predoctoral students and postdoctoral trainees from diverse backgrounds across the United States, including groups underrepresented in biomedical, behavioral, clinical and social sciences research, interested in global mental health disparities research. This includes early career researchers and investigators within 5 years of their terminal degree.

LEAD capitalizes on the rich resources for local and global health disparities research available at Washington University in St. Louis. The program provides trainees with the skills and experiences needed to lead multi-disciplinary, collaborative research teams focused on health disparities research in low-resource communities.

LEAD is funded by the National Institutes of Health’s Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Training (MHRT) Program.

Summer Intensive Program – 10 Weeks

  • Targeted skills and knowledge-building didactic seminars, workshops, panels, courses, and discussions facilitated by faculty from multiple disciplines at Washington University in St. Louis and partner institutions in the US and across the globe.
  • Mentored research with a research faculty member conducting global mental health disparities research in an African country. Ongoing meetings, professional development, and hands-on research experience.
  • Summer 2024 will be offered in multiple formats including virtually (via Zoom) and in-person training experience in Uganda and St. Louis, Missouri. Trainees will also have the option to work remotely with their mentors or travel for mentored research at a Global Site. See Project Overview for more information.

Postdoctoral Program – 1 year

LEAD Postdoctoral Research Associate

  • Engage in writing publications using study data and proposal development to explore new opportunities related to HIV/AIDS or global mental health disparities
  • In-residence at Washington University in St. Louis
  • Includes participation in the summer intensive program
  • Option to extend for 2nd year. See Project Overview for more information.

LEAD Postdoctoral Associate in Perioperative Wellness

  • Engage with the innovative Center for Perioperative Mental Health for mentored research centered on finding solutions to mental health needs of perioperative patients through patient-centered, individualized care
  • Studying disparities in the context of perioperative mental health
  • In-residence at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
  • Includes participation in the summer intensive program with the LEAD Global Training Program