In-person training opportunities inspire new approaches to research questions that evolve our understanding of mental health and well-being. We are piloting a travel awards program to support emerging and established investigators seeking to continue their education and advance their careers.

We plan to offer travel awards for Center members for select opportunities as they arise. Our team researches upcoming mental health training opportunities and announces them as they become available. Acceptance into a program is generally required to apply for a travel award. 

If you have attended a training, workshop or other professional development program that you found impactful, let us know! We will use recommendations from our members to guide our decision on which travel awards we may offer.

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Upcoming travel award opportunity

This travel award is available to cover the cost to travel to the Health Disparities Research Institute (HDRI) taking place August 3-7, 2026 in Bethesda, Maryland.

The Health Disparities Research Institute encourages the interdisciplinary exploration of research that improves population health. By exploring where health outcomes begin to diverge, we can better address the public health challenges of depression and related illnesses, improve wellness and work toward preventing these illness in the first place.

This week-long workshop is designed to inspire bold, new ideas and scientific research to improve the health of underserved communities. We are thrilled to support the attendance of up to two early-stage investigators beginning their research careers studying health disparities and their impact on the well-being of populations.

More details about the HDRI — including eligibility criteria, program contents, selection criteria and application portal — can be found on their website.

Before you submit a proposal

Our Mental Health Equity Lead and former HDRI participant, Dr. Lara Coughlin, is available for consultation on your application to ensure a competitive proposal. Consultation is strongly encouraged, but not required. To schedule your consultation, please email our Mental Health Equity team by April 6, 2026.

HDRI Application timeline

  • Deadline to request proposal consultation with Lara Coughlin: April 6, 2026
  • HDRI application deadline: April 10, 2026
  • HDRI acceptance notification to applicants: June 2026
  • Depression Center travel award application deadline: within two weeks of your acceptance notification
  • NIMHD Health Disparities Research Institute: August 3-7, 2026

Accepted? Apply for a travel award

We are offering travel awards for up to two Eisenberg Family Depression Center members whose proposals are accepted into the HDRI program. To be considered for a travel fund, you must contact our Mental Health Equity team within two weeks of your acceptance notification. If selected, you will be asked to complete a separate request form to receive travel funds. Please note: acceptance into the Institute does not guarantee you will receive a travel award.

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