ACSM Epi Research Apprenticeship Program
A research project designed for learning
The ACSM Epi Research Apprenticeship Program is an approximately two-year experience for emerging researchers. The goal is training, not simply producing a paper. Each apprentice uses a focused project to learn how to ask a meaningful question, evaluate data, plan and conduct an analysis, and communicate results.
Refine a meaningful question
Turn a broad concept into focused aims that are relevant, answerable and appropriately scoped.
Understand the data
Evaluate codebooks, access, measures, structure, design and the limits of national or cohort data.
Analyze reproducibly
Develop a transparent plan, conduct appropriate analyses and document decisions.
Interpret with care
Connect findings to the research question, study design, limitations and practical meaning.
Communicate science
An abstract and presentation are expected. Though not required, projects of sufficient scope that can be developed into a full manuscript are highly encouraged.
Join a scholarly community
Build relationships with SIG mentors, invited experts and fellow apprentices.
Who should apply
Graduate students and early career trainees with all levels of experience who are ACSM members in 2026 are encouraged to apply. To maximize the value of this mentoring opportunity, we strongly recommend that applicants have completed at least two years of graduate training.
How mentorship works
Each apprentice will be assigned an anchor mentorship team and connected with additional subject matter, dataset and methods experts as the project develops.
- Approximately monthly project meetings
- Quarterly webinars and apprentice-only workshops
- An in-person kickoff immediately before an ACSM annual meeting
- Clear actions and milestone decisions after each meeting
Plan for annual meeting participation. Participants are expected to attend required in-person annual-meeting activities. The program does not provide travel funding.
Your Program Journey
1
Apply and prepare
Submit a preliminary concept, statement, CV and advisor letter.
2
Refine together
Complete pre-work and reshape the project during an in-person kickoff (during the annual meeting pre-conference).
3
Learn by doing
Meet monthly with mentors and join quarterly webinars and apprentice-only workshops.
4
Analyze and interpret
Complete staged data, analysis and communication milestones.
5
Share the work
Prepare and deliver a presentation at a subsequent ACSM Annual Meeting.
2026–2027 Application Cycle
Key Dates
The schedule provides time for application review, mentor matching and individualized preparation before the cohort meets in Indianapolis. Pre-assigned work is shared after acceptance and tailored to each apprentice’s project needs and goals.
Friday, Sept. 11, 2026
Applications open
The call for applications and online form go live.
Friday, Jan. 15, 2027
Applications due
Submit all materials by 11:59 p.m. PT.
Friday, Feb. 12, 2027
Decisions announced
Applicants receive selection notifications.
Friday, March 12, 2027
Onboarding begins
Mentor matching is completed and selected apprentices begin preparation.
Friday, May 21, 2027
Pre-work due
Apprentices submit kickoff preparation materials for mentor review.
2027 ACSM Annual Meeting
In-person kickoff
The pre-conference workshop takes place in Indianapolis, Indiana.
2027 ACSM Annual Meeting: June 1–4, 2027, in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Application requirements
Project concept
Propose a promising research question that you want to answer using epidemiological data. Maximum two pages, excluding references.
Statement of interest
Describe your goals, fit, preparation, skills to develop and ability to commit. Maximum one page.
Supporting files
Upload a CV and an advisor or supervisor letter of support as separate PDFs.
Selection considers preparation and potential. Reviewers assess relevance, feasibility, dataset investigation, commitment, training benefit, mentor fit and advisor support. Polish alone will not determine selection.
Frequently asked questions
No. The concept is preliminary and is expected to change substantially through mentorship.
Yes. Membership in the ACSM Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Public Health SIG is required. If you are not yet a member, join the SIG through the ACSM Member Hub before submitting your application.
Yes. Restricted data are eligible when the project includes a realistic plan to apply for and obtain access within the program timeline.
The participant owns the project. Authorship for abstracts, presentations, manuscripts and other outputs will be discussed and determined with the mentorship team.
Participants are expected to attend required in-person annual-meeting activities and present research at a future ACSM Annual Meeting. The program does not provide travel funding.
An abstract at the ACSM Annual Meeting is expected. Though not required, projects of sufficient scope that can be developed into a full manuscript are highly encouraged.
Contact epibiosph@gmail.com as early as possible. Requests will be handled through the approved ACSM process.
Yes, but your advisor or supervisor must indicate in their letter of support that they approve the project for use in your thesis or dissertation.
