Oct 22, 2014 07:40 PM EDT By J Baulkman, UniversityHerald Reporter

Underrepresented students of color at the University of Virginia will be offered new, international research opportunities through a five-year, $1.25 million grant from the National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities.

The Minority Health International Research Training program at the university will offer eight students -- six undergraduates and two graduates -- the opportunity to participate in an intensive, international, mentored research experience. They will work for eight weeks next summer at partner sites in South Africa, Uganda and St. Kitts and Nevis on issues identified by those partners.

"The program will provide us with an incredible opportunity to collaborate across schools, disciplines and national boundaries to implement a training program that centers on innovative, rigorous, mentored research projects that address rural health issues," said Center for Global Health Director Rebecca Dillingham, one of the principal investigators. "This program has tremendous potential to produce positive change in our partner communities and right here at home through the development of future leaders for rural health and through the translation and application of research findings."

The grants target students who are members of a health-disparity population. This includes: students of color, individuals from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds; and Individuals from rural areas.

"This is just the type of thing a public university should be aspiring to -- providing opportunities for students of merit to learn how to do cutting-edge global health research," Jeffrey W. Legro,vice provost for global affairs, said in a statement.

Students are encouraged to apply by Jan. 16. Awardees will be announced Feb. 13 and individualized mentoring will begin. Each awardee will participate in a one-week, pre-departure workshop and cultural orientation training session May 26-30.

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