School of Medicine Dean's Yearlong Fellowship
Selection for funding is competitive based on a rigorous review of applications. Recipients of external awards may apply if external awards are disclosed; if UCSF funding is awarded, the total award including external funding will be capped to the UCSF level. For example: If you are awarded a $20,000 external grant, your $37,440 Yearlong Grant will be reduced to $17,440 as to not exceed the Yearlong grant cap. $17,440 Yearlong + $20,000 external = $37,440 Total.
Recipients of SOM funding for yearlong research are required to complete the following:
• 12 months Leave of Absence (LoA) from School of Medicine enrollment
• Mentorship by UCSF faculty
• Abstract and Poster Presentations at the following Inquiry Symposium (May of graduating year)
• Committee-approved legacy product (e.g. thesis, curriculum, published manuscript) via MDwD Program
UCSF, US, or international location.
- $37,440/yr
- UCSHIP Health insurance, if needed
- Loan capitalization payment, if applicable
- Continuation of Library, MyAccess, general and professional liability insurance.
- Includes MD with Distinction
Timeline: Below is for 2025. Please verify the hard deadlines for the cycle you wish to apply for.
Please review Yearlong Research Frequently Asked Questions for information on Leave of Absence, beginning your research year early, options if declined funding, IRB information and more!
- Medical students between third and fourth year taking taking a year off for full-time research. Full time research consists of 12 months of consecutive research.
- UCSF mentor required. Co-mentor is allowable if project is not at UCSF.
- Completion of an MD with Distinction: Production of a legacy project approved by the student's Distinction in Yearlong Research committee.
- Oral and poster presentations at year-end UCSF Inquiry Symposium (May of graduation year).
- Selection for funding is competitive based on a review of applications. Funding decisions are final and cannot be amended - check Yearlong FAQ's for options if not funded.
- Students are only able to receive funding for 1 year, additional years of research are not able to be funded by the Inquiry Funding Office.
- Applications for travel to areas that carry a US State Department Travel Advisory of “Reconsider Travel” or “Do Not Travel” and/or a UC Trip Planner security rating of 5 or higher require special administrative approval prior to application for funding. Approval is reviewed on a case by case basis.
Yearlong Inquiry Program (YIP): The YIP program provides training and mentorship to predoctoral students in clinical and translational research methodology and practice. If awarded a Yearlong Research Fellowship, students will either be required to participate in YIP (based on the elected funding source during application review) OR will have the option of opting into the program. Participants choose from three possible tracks: 1) primarily laboratory-focused translational research, 2) extensive contact with research participants and primary data collection, and 3) the ATCR Certificate Program (4 quarters) or MD/MAS, rigorous academic programs in the methods and conduct of clinical research.
Administrative questions for YIP can be addressed to Christian Leiva.
General questions: Inquiry Team
Funding/Administration/Application Questions: Avila Omokaro, Inquiry Funding Specialist
Faculty questions/advising: IFO Faculty
Begin by verifying the deadline for the cycle you wish to apply for. You can access the application here when available.
- Application opens one month prior to the deadline. All applicants are notified of decisions 30 days from the deadline.
- All applications are due at 12:00pm (noon). Late submissions are not accepted past 12:00 pm (noon).
- If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Inquiry staff team. Inquiry Funding Faculty are also available anytime for consultations and support.
Next Steps: Below is a quick reference list to ready yourself and your application.
- VIEW FINDING A MENTOR MODULE – learn from a previous student how best to connect with a great mentor.
- BROWSE UCSF PROFILES - locate potential mentors with available projects under “Find An Opportunity.”
- CHECKOUT APPLICATION SAMPLES – see example submissions by type.
- SEE A SAMPLE FUNDING CONTRACT – all the details.
- WATCH PROPOSAL WRITING MODULES – prepared by a longtime grant reviewer.
- REVIEW THE RUBRIC FOR GRANTS – see how your application will be scored.
