Donald J. Cohen Fellowship Program for International Scholars in Child and Adolescent Mental Health
IACAPAP World Congress – Hamburg, Germany | July 1–4, 2026
Are you passionate about transforming the future of child and adolescent mental health in your country or region? Do you want to connect with an international network of mentors, leaders, and emerging professionals dedicated to making a difference to the lives of children and adolescents through mental health research, clinical work, education, or policy? Are you eager to join a global network committed to creating lasting change?
We warmly invite you to apply for the Donald J. Cohen Fellowship Program, a prestigious and unique opportunity for early-career professionals in child and adolescent mental health to develop their leadership, share their research or innovative projects, and become part of a global community of change-makers.
What the Fellowship Offers
Selected Fellows will receive:
• Full Congress registration to the 27th World Congress of IACAPAP 2026 in Hamburg
• Accommodation for the duration of the Congress
• Travel support (partial or full, depending on individual needs and available funding)
• Daily small-group mentoring with international experts
• Participation in exclusive symposia and sessions
• Dedicated presentation sessions to showcase your work
• Meaningful networking and social events with global peers and mentors
But beyond all this, what you’ll gain is a sense of belonging in a movement that spans continents.
Who Should Apply?
We’re looking for:
• Early-career professionals under the age of 35 working in any area related to child and adolescent mental health — including psychiatry, psychology, social work, nursing, education, public health, and more
• Individuals who demonstrate leadership potential in clinical work, research, teaching, or service development
• Applicants with a strong command of English and a commitment to engaging actively and fully in all Fellowship activities
Special encouragement is extended to applicants from low- and middle-income countries, and under-represented or underserved regions. However, all eligible applicants who demonstrate a strong commitment to the goals of the Fellowship are welcome to apply.
Project Submission
Each applicant must also submit an abstract for a project suitable for poster or oral presentation at the 27th World Congress of IACAPAP 2026, on the Congress website. This may be research-based, clinical, educational, or policy-oriented.
Key Dates
• Applications open: August 2025
• Deadline: October 23, 2025
• Results announced: January 24, 2026
How to Apply
All applications must be submitted electronically and should be received by October 23, 2025. All supporting documents should be sent via email to info@iacapap.org. You will need to provide:
• A brief Curriculum Vitae(CV) (max 3 pages)
• A Letter of Motivation (max 200 words)
• A Project Abstract (that you have or will be submitting to the IACAPAP 2026 Congress) (max 300 words)
• A Letter of Recommendation from your current/past Supervisor or Head of Department
• A copy of your passport or official ID
• Basic details about your background, institutional affiliation and interests
Join a Global Community
Since its inception, the Donald J. Cohen Fellowship has empowered over 400 Fellows from more than 70 countries, many of whom have gone on to become global and national leaders, academic faculty, influential educators, and advocates for child and adolescent mental health around the world.
Take the next step in your journey, apply, connect, and grow with us in Hamburg!
For any questions, contact: iacapap2026@cpo-hanser.de
We look forward to welcoming you to Hamburg in 2026!
Dr. Sowmyashree Mayur Kaku and Pr. Jordan Sibeoni
Coordinators of the DJCFP, IACAPAP
