IGHS supports global health scientists at UCSF and internationally. Our programs aim to increase faculty productivity, strengthen institutional impact, and support a more connected academic community.
Global health scientists can become members of IGHS in one of three categories: Core Investigator, Affiliate, or Global Affiliate. More than 400 members, across all UCSF Schools and global partner sites, advance our tripartite mission of global health research, education, and capacity strengthening.
Benefits of Joining IGHS
Members of the institute gain access to interdisciplinary collaboration, grants management, and funding opportunities, with additional benefits varying by Category. Table 1 outlines the FY27 benefits, noting which are prioritized for Core Investigators or offered as pilots.
Fiscal Year 2027 Benefits
IGHS Core and Affiliate Investigator Benefits
Web, Graphic Design, Social Media *
Contact: GHCommunications@ucsf.edu
- Technical grant writing from the Office of Collaborative Research for awards routed through IGHS *
- Scientific Posters and Methods Core Support
- Pivot Labs
- Equitable Partnership certificates and training
- IGHS Connect Series, including Grand Rounds, Global Partner Spotlights, and Innovation Pathways
Contact: ScienceIGHS@ucsf.edu
- Student engagement and networking
- Teaching opportunities through IGHS’ self-supported MS and PhD programs
Contact: Elizabeth.Fair@ucsf.edu
- Pre-Award Support for grants routed through IGHS *
- Post- Award Support
Contact: Nicole.Hobbs@ucsf.edu
Support and scoping for donors and new partnerships *
Contact: Steven.Birenbaum@ucsf.edu
Tiered incentive program for faculty who receive new awards that are routed through IGHS *
Contact: Nicole.Hobbs@ucsf.edu
Access to RAP, SEED, and ESI career development awards *
Contact: IGHSAffiliates@ucsf.edu
For non-UCSF based partners, the Global Affiliate program offers access to UCSF library services, accessed via a UCSF email address.
Contact: IGHSAffiliates@ucsf.edu
* Core Investigator benefit
IGHS Affiliate Categories
Global health scientists can become members of IGHS in one of three categories:
Each membership category has distinct requirements that reflect the member’s role and engagement with IGHS. Completion of these requirements is verified through an annual April survey.
Core Investigator
Core investigators are UCSF faculty and staff who are highly engaged in IGHS and participate in leadership activities. Core investigators can be any rank. We ask that core investigators contribute in each of the three categories below, as confirmed via survey each April:
Global Health Sciences Contribution:
- Lead research, education, policy translation, or capacity strengthening work related to health equity (globally and/or locally).
Institute Contribution (at least two):
- Manage at least one grant through IGHS Global Operations Services (GOS).
- Lead an IGHS scientific, educational, or operational initiative as detailed in IGHS’ Strategic Plan.
- Organize or host a cross-institute interest group, pivot lab, or IGHS Connect event.
- Teach, mentor, or serve on a committee for IGHS MS or PhD students.
Community Contribution (at least one):
- Participate in the equitable partnership working group and/or consult with our in-house experts on building equitable partnership best practices into a new or existing initiative.
- Attend leadership team meetings and IGHS Connect events.
- Present a seminar/Grand Rounds/conference presentation annually.
- Identify IGHS affiliation in publications.
Core faculty who have retired will retain Emeritus status and be engaged annually by the Executive Director’s office.
IGHS Affiliate Investigator
Affiliate program members are UCSF Faculty engaged in Institute activities. Affiliate program members can be any rank. We ask that affiliate program members contribute in both categories below, as confirmed via survey each April:
Global Health Sciences Contribution:
- Lead research, education, policy translation, or capacity strengthening work related to health equity (globally and/or locally).
Community Contribution:
- Participate in the equitable partnership working group and/or consult with our in-house experts on building equitable partnership best practices into a new or existing initiative.
- Serve as a mentor, guest lecturer, or committee member for IGHS MS or PhD students.
- Attend at least six IGHS Grand Rounds or leadership team meetings annually.
- Identify IGHS affiliation in publications.
Global Affiliate Program
In 2020, IGHS added a Global Affiliate Program to support non-UCSF collaborators. Our global affiliate program recognizes external collaborators who meaningfully contribute to the mission of UCSF’s Institute for Global Health Sciences through research, education, capacity building, or policy initiatives. We ask Global Affiliates to contribute in each of the categories below:
Global Health Sciences Contribution:
Actively collaborate with IGHS faculty or staff on initiatives advancing health equity (globally or locally) in at least one of category below:
Leadership:
- Research: Co-investigator or technical contributor on IGHS-affiliated projects
- Education: Guest lecturer, workshop leader, or mentor for IGHS learners
- Policy or Capacity Building: Support policy translation or capacity-building efforts affiliated to IGHS
Community Contribution:
- Acknowledge IGHS collaboration in presentations or other outputs when contributing to an IGHS-led project
- Attend at least three IGHS events annually
- Host UCSF learners or support fieldwork