2025 Yale-Proxima Mentorship Program.

Applications are officially open!

Apply by November 15th, 2024 11:59PM BRT

Please ensure you have all the required documents listed below ready to attach before starting the application process.

  1. 1

    Short Bio Video (1-2 minutes, in English).
    Share your passions, motivations, and anything else you'd like us to know. Be original and creative. Upload privately to YouTube and ensure the link is accessible until March 2025. Record in a quiet place and in landscape mode. Note that video quality will not be evaluated.

  2. 2

    Unique Experience (250 words in Portuguese).
    Describe something unique you’ve been part of, created, or led, and its impact on your life or community.

  3. 3

    Science and Education Experience (250 words in English).
    Write a brief essay about your previous experience with science and education.

  4. 4

    Career Decision (250 words in Portuguese).
    Explain any important life and career decisions you need to make in the next two years.

  5. 5

    Program Impact (250 words in English).
    Describe how the program would impact your career.

  6. 6

    Curriculum Vitae (in Portuguese or English).
    Download an example for guidance (optional).

  7. 7

    Official Academic Transcript(s) (in Portuguese or English).
    Combine multiple transcripts into a single PDF. Online/non-official versions are acceptable for application purposes, but official versions will be required if selected.

  8. 8

    High-Resolution Headshot Photo (JPEG, max 5MB).
    Submit a 4:5 ratio JPEG headshot.

  9. 9

    Review Program Structure and Expectations.
    Please thoroughly review all details about the program structure and expectations before submitting your application. Click here to review.
Ready to apply?
If you have gathered all the required information mentioned above, you're ready to apply!

Click here to apply.

Frequently asked questions.

  1. What is the Yale-Proxima Mentorship Program?

    It is a free 10-month virtual mentorship program designed to support students in the Global South in biological and biomedical sciences. It aims to equip students with critical skills and strategies to become leaders in their research fields, fostering a community of future science leaders.

  2. Who is eligible to apply for the 2025 edition?

    Eligible applicants include:

    • Brazilian citizens or residents (priority given to those residing in Brazil).
    • Undergraduate students (7th semester onwards), master’s students, or recent master’s graduates.
    • Individuals interested in biological and biomedical sciences, regardless of their current field of study.
    • Applicants should not be pursuing a medical residency or a clinical career and must not be enrolled in a Ph.D. program.
  3. I have completed my Master’s degree. Can I apply?

    Yes, applicants with that recently obtained a Master’s degree are eligible to apply. However, Ph.D. students or those who have already completed a Ph.D. are not eligible.

  4. I am in my medical residency. Am I eligible to apply?

    No, medical residents are not eligible to apply for the program. The program is aimed at undergraduate and master's students interested in a career focused on research and/or education in biological and biomedical sciences.

  5. I will be in the 5th semester of my undergraduate studies. Am I eligible to apply?

    Unfortunately, no. Eligibility is limited to students who will be in at least their 7th semester of undergraduate studies by March 2025, as well as those pursuing or holding a Master’s degree.

  6. Do you offer any scholarships or financial support?

    The Yale-Proxima mentorship program is completely free. We do not provide scholarships.

  7. How can I apply?

    Applications open on September 16th and close on November 15th, 2024, at 11:59 pm BRT. To apply, complete the application form and submit the following:

    • A short bio video (1-2 minutes, in English).
    • An essay on a unique experience (250 words in Portuguese).
    • A brief essay on your science and education experience (250 words in English).
    • An explanation of an important career decision in the next two years (250 words in Portuguese).
    • An essay on the program's impact on your career (250 words in English).
    • Curriculum vitae (in Portuguese or English).
    • Official academic transcript(s) (in Portuguese or English).
    • A high-resolution headshot photo (4:5 ratio, max 5MB).
  8. What are the benefits of participating in the program?

    Selected scholars will:

    • Participate in workshops and interactive sessions on career development, effective communication, and networking.
    • Receive guidance on choosing and applying to graduate school.
    • Explore different career paths.
    • Join a community of peers, role models, and world leaders in biological and biomedical sciences.
    • Be recognized as lifelong fellows of the program.
  9. What are the expectations for selected scholars?

    Scholars are expected to:

    • Attend at least 85% of workshops.
    • Attend 100% of individual mentoring and career development sessions.
    • Engage actively in discussions and program activities.
    • Meet these expectations to receive a certificate of completion.
  10. How is the program structured?

    The program runs from March to December 2025 and includes:

    • Workshops: Held on Wednesday nights, covering topics like science communication, graduate school applications, and mental health.
    • Mentoring Sessions: Four scheduled group meetings with Ph.D. students or postdoc mentors, plus a weekend Q&A session.
    • Career Development: Individual and group sessions focused on personal development and career planning.
  11. Who sponsors the Yale-Proxima Mentorship Program?

    The program is supported by generous donors who help inspire and empower the next generation of scientists in the Global South. We thank the Yale Office of International Affairs and the Yale Biological and Biomedical Sciences for their support. To learn more and donate to our mission, click here.

Still have questions?

If you have carefully read all the information above and still have questions, please email us at contato@iniciativa-proxima.org.

Due to the high volume of emails we receive, we will prioritize responses to inquiries about topics not covered in the call for applications page or the FAQ.