History and mission.

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With support from Yale University, Iniciativa Proxima leverages science and education as drivers of social change. Although launched in 2020, the desire to contribute to science and education began years ago with the creation of the Seminars in Biomedical Sciences. This event connects talented young Brazilian scientists with outstanding researchers worldwide. Later, we established the Yale-Proxima Mentorship Program to support Brazilian students in developing the skills needed for careers in biological and biomedical sciences. Through these programs, Iniciativa Proxima aims to provide young Brazilians with world-class training and foster an environment that encourages scientific discussions and high-quality science in Brazil. By supporting and training talented young scientists, we seek to reduce opportunity and achievement gaps in Brazil and nurture the next generation of science leaders for the betterment of our societies and local communities.

Program details.

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The Yale-Proxima Mentorship Program is designed for young Brazilians pursuing knowledge and excellence in biological and biomedical sciences. We seek aspiring scientists committed not only to their professional success but also to understanding how their empowerment can lead to long-lasting changes in their communities. The program benefits students focused on research in areas of special interest to Brazilian and international science, such as brain health and disease, emerging diseases, climate change, and bioeconomy. The 2025 edition is a 10-month virtual mentorship program (March-December) that introduces students to critical practices, skills, and strategies necessary to become leaders in their research fields.

Eligibility criteria.

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For the 2025 edition, a maximum of 25 scholars will be selected. Participation is open to students who:

• Demonstrate past or future interest in biological and biomedical sciences (regardless of their current field of study).
• Are currently undergraduate students (from the 7th semester onwards), master’s students, or have recently earned a master’s degree.
• Do not intend to apply for medical residency or pursue a career as a clinician.
• Have not yet enrolled in a PhD program and do not hold a Doctorate degree.
• Are Brazilian citizens or residents. Brazilians living abroad are eligible to apply, but priority will be given to those residing in Brazil.

* We strongly encourage students to apply for training programs in other positions in Brazil and abroad. If approved and needing to leave Brazil during the program, it is the student's responsibility to inform the team as soon as possible.

** Research experience is a plus but not mandatory.

Application guidelines.

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Registration is free and opens on September 16th, closing on November 15th, 2024, at 11:59 pm BRT. Applications that are incomplete, do not follow the guidelines, or are submitted after the deadline will not be considered. Required documents and information include:

• A short bio in video format (1-2 minutes, in English). Share your passions and motivations. Original and creative videos are encouraged. Upload privately to YouTube and ensure the link is available until March 2025. The video quality is not evaluated; it just needs to be clear enough to see you. Record in a quiet place and in landscape mode.
• An example of something unique you have been part of, created, led, or joined. Explain why it is unique and its impact on your life and/or community (250 words in Portuguese).
• A brief essay describing your previous experience with science and education (250 words in English).
• An explanation of an important life and career decision you will need to make 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). An example CV is available for guidance (not mandatory to follow).
• Official academic transcript(s) (in Portuguese or English). Create a single PDF if you have more than one transcript. Undergraduate students must provide one transcript; master’s students must provide both undergraduate and master’s transcripts. Online/non-official versions are accepted for application purposes, but official versions will be required if selected.
• A high-resolution headshot photo at a 4:5 ratio in JPEG format (max 5MB).

Scholar benefits.

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Selected scholars will:

• Participate in workshops and interactive sessions on career development, communication, and networking.
• Receive exclusive 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.
• Receive recognition as lifelong fellows.

Participant expectations.

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Selected scholars are expected to engage in discussions and attend at least 85% of workshops throughout the program. Participants must attend 100% of all individual mentoring and career development sessions. Certificates will ONLY be issued if these expectations are met. Students who do not participate or engage in activities, have less than 85% attendance in workshops, or have less than 100% attendance in mentorship and career development sessions (without proper justification) are eligible to be removed from the program.

Program components.

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The program runs from March to December 2025 and is divided into three main components:

• Workshops: Meetings with invited speakers on relevant topics for personal and professional development. (Schedule to be announced)
• Mentorship: Individual and group sessions with Brazilian PhD students in the United States. (Schedule to be announced)
• Career development: Individual and group meetings focused on practical strategies for personal development and career planning. (Schedule to be announced)

Workshop sessions.

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Held on Wednesday nights (exact time to be announced), there will be 1 to 2 meetings per month from March to December. Topics include, but are not limited to:

• Pursuing Science
• The Importance of a Good Mentor
• Applying to Graduate School
• Science Communication
• Scholarships and Opportunities
• Presentation Skills
• Non-Academic Career Success
• Creative Thinking in Arts and Sciences
• Mental Health/Imposter Syndrome

Mentorship sessions.

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Discussion groups are tailored to address the diversity and specific needs of Brazilian mentees. Mentors are Brazilian PhD students who provide valuable insights and advice. Pairings are made at the beginning of the academic year based on a survey of participants’ expectations and interests. Each mentor is paired with a maximum of 5 mentees. The mentoring component includes four scheduled meetings (mostly on Saturdays, 1-2 hours long) and a weekend Q&A session. Scheduled meetings provide an opportunity for mentors to gather with all their mentees in a small group setting. Typical agendas might include journal clubs with invited authors, tips for graduate school applications, discussions about challenges, or other topics relevant to Brazilian mentees.

Career development sessions.

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Scholars receive guidance from an experienced career development specialist throughout the program. Development sessions help mentees better plan their careers through individual and group sessions. Goals include:

• Profile analysis and skills mapping
• Setting goals and strategies
• Structuring career plans
• Behavior analysis and improvement
• Shared learning activities

Our achievements are made possible by the generosity and support of our donors, inspiring and empowering the next generation of Brazilian scientists.

We thank the Yale Office of International Affairs and the Yale Combined Program in Biological and Biomedical Sciences for their support. To learn more and donate to our mission, click here.