Applications open October 19th for the 2027 NIH Mobile Health Technology Institute (MHTI), a highly selective program dedicated to developing the next generation of transdisciplinary researchers in mobile and digital health.

Taught by Professor Bonnie Spring, Ph.D., other prominent MHTI investigators, and NIH Program Officers, the Institute provides hands-on training and mentorship in emerging research methods, analytical approaches, and digital health technologies.

Building on the success of prior cohorts, the 2027 MHTI will offer an intensive hybrid learning experience that combines a series of interactive virtual sessions with a five-day, in-person Institute at UCLA, June 20–24, 2027.

An essential, important component of the institute is that it is highly and very intentionally interdisciplinary, bringing together equal numbers of medical (MD, RN), behavioral (psychologists, social scientists, social workers, public health), and technical scholars (computer science, engineering). These interdisciplinary teams work together to develop a research proposal while building the skills and collaborations needed to pursue rigorous, innovative, fundable research.

Alumni frequently describe MHTI as “transformative” and “a seminal experience in their professional development,” citing its collaborative environment, strong sense of scientific community, and exceptional faculty mentorship. The program is designed for both early-career and established investigators seeking to expand their MHTI expertise, build transdisciplinary research networks, and develop technology-enabled approaches with meaningful health impact.

Funding and Eligibility:

MHTI is supported by the NIH Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (OBSSR), National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), and the NIBIB-funded MHTI Center for Discovery, Optimization & Translation of Temporally-Precise Interventions (mDOT Center).

Participation is limited to 25 scholars selected through a competitive application process. Priority is given to investigators who intend to develop collaborative, innovative research and pursue future NIH, NSF, or other peer-reviewed funding opportunities.

There are no tuition or registration fees, and lodging at the UCLA Luskin Conference Center is subsidized for selected scholars.

How to Apply:

Detailed eligibility requirements and application instructions are available at: https://mhti.md2k.org/index.php/apply

Key Dates:

• Application deadline: January 15, 2027
• Notification of acceptance: March 9, 2027
• In-person Institute at UCLA: June 20–24, 2027