Introducing the NIH’s Environmental Justice (EJ) Scholars Program

September 11, 2024

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has launched the Environmental Justice (EJ) Scholars Program designed to bring together EJ expertise from an array of professionals, including research scholars, public health and healthcare professionals, and community-based organizations to work with staff members at various NIH ICOs. Applications for the 2024-2025 application cycle are due by Friday, October 11th, 2024, at 11:59 PM EDT.

Program Overview

The program aims to build NIH's capacity to advance environmental justice-related research, programs, and projects while enhancing awareness and skills among staff and communities to address pressing EJ issues.

EJ Scholars will collaborate with various NIH Institutes, Centers, or Offices (ICOs) on key projects that span research, education, and training. Scholars are expected to dedicate up to 25% of their time over a 10-month period, working virtually unless otherwise agreed upon with their host ICO(s). These collaborations will focus on vital EJ topics such as climate justice, food justice, mental health impacts of environmental exposures, and the interplay of environmental exposure with social determinants of health.

Eligibility and Application Process

The program is open to mid-career to senior scientists and environmental justice leaders from academia, non-profits, or the private sector. Candidates should have a strong publication record in EJ and related health sciences and must demonstrate expertise in areas such as community engagement, data mapping, disaster response, policy development, and more. This program is not a postdoctoral training program, and applicants do not need to have an NIH funding record.

Join the Movement

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a growing network of EJ resource experts and help advance NIH's commitment to supporting underserved and under-resourced communities.

For more details on how to apply, please review the application instructions and ICO interest statements. For more information or any questions, please contact [email protected].