TORCH
TORCH Fellowship Trailblazers in Oral Health Research Scholars of African-American Heritage Fellowship Award (Up to $70,000)
2025 Applications are Open and Close March 3, 2025 Midnight
Fellowship
The Colgate-Palmolive Company(Colgate)/National Dental Association Foundation (NDAF), Trailblazers in Oral Health Research Scholars of African Heritage (TORCH) fellowship award was created to recognize and support promising post-doctoral biomedical and dental clinician scientists of African descent who have demonstrated a commitment to scientific explorations in oral health impacting communities of color. This fellowship underscores Colgate and NDAF’s unwavering commitment to addressing the need for dental scientist of color and fostering greater diversity in the oral health profession.
The TORCH post-doctoral fellowship award affords the recipient opportunities for mentorship, professional development, and industry exposure. The $70,000 award may be used to support recipient’s stipend/salary, supplies, and up to $10K for travel to required research events and presentations. No portion of the award may be used for institutional indirect cost or administrative overhead. Acceptance of the aforementioned conditions of award must be provided in writing. Please note, if the awardee’s sponsoring institution is unable to agree with the above conditions the award will be withdrawn and offered to another applicant.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 will be announced during the National Dental Association Annual Convention.
Criteria
- • Eligible applicant must be current post-doctoral fellow/researcher and provide proof of completion of PHD, DDS/DMD program.
- • Present strong letters of support.
- • Academic achievements and recognitions will be taken into consideration.
- • Demonstrate the capacity for independent work and commit to engaging in oral health research for at least one-year post-training.
- • Provide an 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).
- • Must be able to present your research at the following events: NDAF/Colgate Research Day (Virtual) - April 2025; Colgate Research Innovation Day- Colgate Technology Center- June 2026; and NDA/NDAF Minority Faculty Forum, NDA Annual Convention- July 2026.
- • Compile and submit a comprehensive final report upon completion of the study and develop a manuscript for submission to a leading scientific journal.
Include with Application - (Documents must be uploaded with submissions)
- • Written narrative detailing your oral health research journey and aspirations in 1000 words or less.
- • 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 are required, one of which must come from an academic mentor. Recommendation letters will carry substantial weight in the evaluation process.
- • Proof of completion of PhD or DDS/DMD program, and current participation in a post-doctoral program.
- • Curriculum vitae, professional photo, and your graduate/professional school achievements.
- • Description of the post-doctoral program you are currently participating in. (500 words or less)
- • The total cost of post-graduate program.
- • The amount of stipend from other sources you currently receive or will receive, if any.
- • Letter from sponsoring institution confirming agreement with the conditions of award.