Unlocking Health Solutions: Applications Now Open for Next N-SISS Cohort

Applications Open for Next Ten N-SISS Fellows

The Institute for Policy Solutions (IPS) at Johns Hopkins School of Nursing has officially opened the application process for its upcoming cohort of the Nursing Science Incubator for Social Determinants of Health Solutions (N-SISS). Designed for doctoral-level nurse scientists along with professionals from related fields such as public health, social and behavioral science, and health services research, this program aims to tackle the pressing issue of health disparities across the United States. Applications will be accepted until August 29, 2025.

N-SISS stands as a flagship initiative of the IPS Training Institute, focusing on innovative research aimed at eliminating negative population health outcomes. The program is co-directed by Dr. Vincent Guilamo-Ramos and Dr. Jason Farley, both of whom are prominent figures in health equity and infectious disease research. They have set a visionary agenda to nurture the next generation of health innovators who are committed to improving health outcomes in marginalized communities.

Dr. Guilamo-Ramos expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "It's exciting to recruit ten new innovators whose research will help eliminate negative health outcomes. Our inaugural ten Fellows are already tackling this challenge through research that includes the utilization of social determinants of health (SDOH) in AI development and community-based interventions designed to improve health literacy. We are eager to see how our next cohort will leverage their N-SISS experience to further these efforts."

The N-SISS Fellowship is structured as an intensive 12-month program that offers a rich curriculum combining instruction and mentorship. Participants will work collaboratively with fellow scientists specializing in nursing and other aligned fields, gaining invaluable expertise on essential skills such as strategic grant writing, research techniques, and media training. Additionally, the program provides fellows with insights into a range of innovative approaches, including the Nurse-Driven Model of Care, helping integrate social care aspects into clinical practice.

Unique Features of the N-SISS Fellowship

N-SISS distinguishes itself through five essential components that foster an advanced learning environment:

1. Location: Based at the prestigious Johns Hopkins Bloomberg Center in Washington, D.C., fellows are perfectly positioned to contribute to and shape health policy.

2. Innovative Focus: Despite the compelling evidence indicating that harmful SDOH significantly contribute to negative health outcomes, there remains a scarcity of effective, evidence-based solutions. N-SISS is committed to addressing this gap.

3. Intensive Program Structure: The competitive application process will select 30 innovators over three years, allowing ten fellows each year to participate in a comprehensive fellowship experience, which includes a blend of virtual and on-campus courses.

4. Inclusivity: The program is open not only to early-career investigators eager to launch innovative SDOH research but also to mid- and senior-level researchers aiming to deepen their understanding of SDOH methodologies.

5. Expansive Educational Reach: N-SISS provides free access to educational materials for a national audience of SDOH researchers and nursing professionals, fostering widespread self-directed learning.

Dr. Farley highlighted that one of the fundamental tenets of the N-SISS experience is collaboration among peers and mentorship from leading experts, promoting a robust network for research innovations.

Interested candidates can find more information about the application process on their official website, www.ipsnow.org. This is a unique opportunity for motivated professionals in nursing and related fields to engage in groundbreaking research that addresses healthcare disparities and enhances health equity in diverse populations.

In conclusion, the call for applications to the N-SISS Fellowship presents a remarkable chance for dedicated health professionals to contribute to transformative research endeavors, paving the way for solutions to eliminate negative health outcomes in the United States.