Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who is eligible to apply for this fellowship?
    • The Fellowship is open to individuals with lived experience related to Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH) and other phenotypes of steatotic liver disease (SLD) and/or a background in patient advocacy, whether in SLD or other chronic health conditions. This includes people who have been personally affected by SLD, as patients or caregivers, as well as those who have worked to support, represent, or advocate for the patient community.
  • Do I need prior experience in SLD-related diagnostics or drug development (e.g., research, clinical trials, regulatory processes, or work with the pharmaceutical industry)?
    • No, this type of experience is not required. Applicants may have relevant experience through work related to other chronic health conditions, not necessarily SLD. However, a strong interest in SLD-related engagement is expected.
  • Do I need to have a medical background to apply?
    • No, applicants from all backgrounds are welcome.
  • Is there an age requirement to apply to the Fellowship program?
    • Yes, applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
  • Can a Fellow reapply to the Fellowship Program?
    • No, individuals who have already completed the Fellowship program are not eligible to reapply.
  • How do I apply?
    • Complete the online application form. The shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an online interview.
  • Can I save and return to my application later?
    • No, the application must be completed in one session. You will not be able to save your progress and return to it later, so we recommend preparing your responses in advance before starting the application form. If you'd like to preview the full application before submitting, you may enter placeholder text to navigate through the form. Once you're ready, return to the form and submit your final responses.
  • Is there a deadline for the application process?
    • Yes, the deadline to apply is July 14, 2025, for the 2025-2026 program.
  • When can I expect to be contacted for an interview?
    • The application review process and interviews for shortlisted candidates will take place between July 14 and August 15, 2025. All shortlisted candidates will be contacted during this period to schedule their interview.
  • Which countries' applicants can apply for the Fellowship?
    • The inaugural year of the Fellowship is open to applicants from North America, the European Union, and the UK.
  • When should I expect a decision about my application?
    • Applicants should receive a status update for the 2025-2026 cohort by the end of August 2025.
  • What is the duration of the Fellowship?
    • The Fellowship runs from September 2025 to September 2026.
  • Is this a paid Fellowship?
    • No, Fellows will not receive direct financial compensation. However, the Fellowship covers the costs associated with participation, including access to educational resources and travel to key conferences focused on SLD. The final schedule of events and educational sessions will be confirmed with selected candidates.
  • What kind of time commitment is expected?
    • Fellows should be prepared for a part-time commitment that may vary week to week, depending on the program’s activities and milestones. The schedule will be coordinated with the program manager. In addition to ongoing responsibilities, Fellows are also expected to participate in scheduled face-to-face events.
  • What support will Fellows receive?
    • Fellows receive mentorship, training, networking opportunities, and access to resources. According to the confirmed schedule, they will also participate in flagship face-to-face conferences on SLD research and be introduced to key opinion leaders and companies in MASH drug development. As part of our ongoing commitment to elevating patient and advocate voices, we will also notify Fellowship alumni of relevant paid opportunities as they arise, including invitations to serve on advisory boards, speak at conferences, or contribute to research and policy initiatives.
  • What is the language of the Fellowship program?
    • The Fellowship program is conducted in English. All sessions, materials, and communications will be provided in English, so applicants should be comfortable reading, writing, and participating in discussions in English.
  • Will there be accommodations for participants with disabilities?
    • We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible experience for all applicants and participants in our Fellowship program. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request for individuals with disabilities. If you require accommodations to participate in any part of the application process or Fellowship activities, please get in touch with the program manager at [email protected] as early as possible to ensure we can meet your needs.
  • What happens after the Fellowship ends?
    • Alumni are encouraged to continue collaborating on advocacy initiatives and receive invitations to future events. We are actively developing opportunities for alumni to stay connected and continue collaborating beyond the Fellowship. These efforts aim to foster an engaged community and create meaningful ways for alumni to interact with each other and key program stakeholders
  • Will I receive a certificate or recognition?
    • Yes, Fellows who complete the program will receive a certificate of participation.
  • Will I be considered for future paid opportunities, such as serving on patient
    advisory boards or speaking engagements?
    • As part of our ongoing commitment to elevating patient and advocate voices, we will notify Fellowship alumni of relevant paid opportunities, including invitations to serve on advisory boards, speak at conferences, or contribute to research and policy initiatives. While participation is not guaranteed, we proudly recommend alumni for these roles whenever possible and support continued engagement in meaningful, compensated ways.
  • Will I have opportunities to seek employment during or after the fellowship?
    • While the Fellowship does not offer expedited job placement or guarantee employment, it is designed to support your professional development and expand your access to information, networks, and resources. Throughout the program, you will be encouraged to build connections, engage with mentors, and participate in activities that enhance your skills and career readiness.