Are you a student or recent graduate excited about mental health policy and technology? The YIM Macro Research Fellowship 2026-2027 offers a year-long chance to dive into real-world issues at the crossroads of AI, digital health, and social good. This program runs from Fall 2026 to Spring 2027 and helps participants move from classroom ideas to practical policy work.
Program Overview
The YIM Macro Research Fellowship focuses on policy research, analysis, and advocacy. Fellows join small groups to tackle one of three key research areas. These tracks deal with global challenges in mental health and tech, especially for people who lack good access to care. The fellowship creates a space for teamwork and learning from experts.
Research Tracks
Fellows pick from three main areas of study. Each track looks at how technology can help or hurt mental health services.
AI and Mental Health Access
This track studies how AI tools, like chatbots, can bring mental health help to low-income groups. Fellows explore the good sides, such as wider reach, and the problems, like bias in AI or the need for human checks. They aim to find ethical ways to use these tools.
Digital Surveillance and Data Privacy
With more health care online, keeping patient data safe is key. This track covers risks from surveillance and ways to protect mental health records. Fellows work on policies for fair data use in digital systems.
The Digital Divide and AI-Augmented Telehealth
Many people lack internet or tech skills, which blocks telehealth. This area checks how AI in remote care can close gaps or make them worse for underserved groups. Fellows analyze access issues and suggest fixes.
Benefits for Fellows
The program offers hands-on growth. Fellows create their own policy brief on a track topic. This brief can boost resumes or support advocacy. Each gets a mentor from macro social work for monthly advice. Teamwork builds skills through peer input. The year ends with a capstone talk in Washington, DC, where fellows share work with policy experts. Networking links them to pros in social work, policy, and digital health.
Why This Fellowship Stands Out
Mental health and tech change fast, and this program tackles real needs for vulnerable groups. It goes beyond school by focusing on ethics, policy making, and system fixes. Fellows gain skills in research, writing, and collaboration that apply to careers in public health or tech policy.
Who Should Apply
Look for people with passion for mental health, policy, and tech. You need strong critical thinking, good writing, and team skills. Students or grads in social sciences fit well. Show interest in ethical tech issues through your application.
Application Details
The deadline is not set yet, so check soon and apply early. Use the application form to share your fit. Visit the official site for updates. This fellowship can shape your path in policy and impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the YIM Macro Research Fellowship?
It is a year-long program from Fall 2026 to Spring 2027 where students and recent graduates work on policy research at the intersection of AI, digital health, and mental health for underserved groups.
What are the three research tracks?
The tracks cover AI and mental health access, digital surveillance and data privacy, and the digital divide in AI-augmented telehealth.
What benefits do fellows receive?
Fellows get to create a policy brief, receive monthly mentoring, build teamwork skills, and present at a capstone event in Washington, DC, with networking opportunities.
Who should apply and how?
Passionate students or grads in social sciences with strong critical thinking and writing skills should apply early via the official site, as the deadline is not yet set.

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