Trailblazers in Oral Health Research – Scholars of African American Heritage Fellowship Award
$70,000 Research Fellowship Award
2025 Applications are open and closes midnight March 17
The Colgate-Palmolive Company (Colgate) / National Dental Association Foundation (NDAF), Trailblazers in Oral Health Research (TORCH), Scholars of African Heritage fellowship award recognizes and supports promising post-doctoral biomedical and dental clinician scientists of African descent who demonstrate a strong commitment to scientific explorations in oral health impacting communities of color. This fellowship reflects Colgate and NDAF’s unwavering dedication to increasing the representation of dental scientists of color and fostering greater diversity in the oral health profession.
The TORCH post-doctoral fellowship award provides the recipient with opportunities for mentorship, professional development, and industry exposure. The $70,000 award may be used to support the recipient’s stipend or salary, research supplies, and up to $10K for travel to required research conferences and presentations. No portion of the award may be used for institutional indirect cost or administrative overhead. Written acceptance of these conditions is required. If the awardee’s sponsoring institution cannot agree with these terms, the award will be withdrawn and offered to another applicant.
The competitive application process serves to spotlight the scientific talent within communities of color. The awardee is announced during the annual National Dental Association Annual Convention.
Malika Malik
“I am deeply honored to receive the 2024 TORCH Fellowship Award, which supports my commitment to advancing oral health research in communities of color. I am grateful to Colgate and the National Dental Association Foundation for their dedication to fostering diversity and providing invaluable mentorship and professional growth opportunities.”
Eligibility Requirements and Criteria
- Must be a U.S. citizen or have permanent resident status.
- Must be a current post-doctoral fellow or researcher with proof of completion of PhD, DDS/DMD program.
- Strong letters of support
- Academic achievements and recognitions will be considered.
- Must demonstrate the capacity for independent research and willing to engage in oral health related research for at least one-year post-training.
- Must be able to present at the following events:
- NDAF/Colgate Research Day (Virtual) – May 2025;
- Colgate Research Innovation Day- Colgate Technology Center- June 2026; and
- NDA/NDAF Minority Faculty Forum, NDA Annual Convention- July 2026.
- Must compile and submit a comprehensive final report upon completion of the study and develop a manuscript for submission to a leading scientific journal.
- Must submit a quotation and 30-second video of their scholarship expressing appreciation for the award within 30 days of notification. This content may be used on the NDAF website and other publications
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following:
(Documents must be uploaded with submissions)
- Official dental school or biomedical sciences graduate program transcript
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Professional photo
- A letter of request for consideration that describes your research interest and how the funds will be used.
- Written narrative (up to 1000 words) detailing your professional aspirations, oral health research experience and notable graduate or professional school achievements.
- Abstract of intended or current research related to one of the following areas: odor control solutions, enamel health, microbiome-host response, tissue integrity/repair, oral hygiene among specialized populations, oral health promotion and literacy, or advances in new clinical measures (diagnostics).
- Three letters of recommendation
- One must be from an academic mentor.
- Two additional letters from professional references.
- Recommendations family members, relatives, and students are not accepted.
- Letters of recommendation will be heavily weighted in the selection process.
- Proof of completion of PhD or DDS/DMD program, and current participation in a post-doctoral program.
- Description (up to 500 words) detailing your current post-doctoral program
- The total cost of post-graduate program and stipend amount you will receive, if applicable.
- Letter from sponsoring institution confirming agreement with the conditions of award.
- Completed Photo and Video Release Form