The ISCHE Research to Action (R2A) Fellowship is an initiative to enhance the skills of early-stage investigators in conducting, communicating, and translating policy- relevant science. The fellowship aims to provide mentorship and resources for Fellows to design and conduct action- oriented research, translate and communicate scientific findings, and develop trans- disciplinary partnerships. 

The fellowship launched in January 2023. In the first cohort (January 2023-December 2024), we had 23 Fellows and 20 Mentors with ties to over 16 different countries. 
We launched the second cohort in January 2024, including 12 returning Fellows and 11 new Fellows. Fellows and Mentors have been grouped into 8 different teams working on a science communication project, which they will present at the next ISCHE retreat (tentatively June 2025). Examples of projects include creating environmental health curriculum for LMICs, creating and disseminating informational products to reduce lead exposure in high-risk communities, and developing illustrations highlighting successful interventions to reduce exposures (e.g., pesticides, air pollution) among children in different countries. 

We also hold bi-monthly webinars to provide hands-on training in research communication and developing community research partnerships. Past webinars have included topics such as how to talk with journalists (Science Communication Network), crafting testimony for legislators (Program on Reproductive Health in the Environment), and how to conduct equitable community-engaged research across different career stages (Mt. Sinai/Luz Guel).

Contact Carly Hyland at chyland@berkeley.edu if you are interested in becoming a Fellow or Mentor or if you have any questions!