INDECS Scholarship

The Biomedical Informatics Innovative Data-driven Engagement for Community Service (INDECS) Scholarship is designed to empower passionate individuals who have demonstrated a deep commitment to community service and data-driven social innovation*. This scholarship supports future leaders eager to leverage the power of biomedical informatics to address real-world health challenges, improve community well-being, or drive meaningful social change.

The INDECS scholarship covers tuition and mandatory fees for the typical duration of the MMSc in Biomedical Informatics program (four semesters) as long as the student is making satisfactory academic progress. 

*Social innovation refers here to the development and implementation of new ideas, strategies, products, services, or models that aim to address social needs, challenges, or problems in ways that are more effective, efficient, sustainable, or just than existing solutions. 

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible candidates are accepted students in the MMSc-BMI program who are U.S. Citizens or U.S. Permanent Residents, demonstrate financial need via FAFSA submission, and have a strong, documented history of community service and data-driven innovative social impact, such as launching new initiatives, technologies, and/or approaches for social good. Research experience may be considered if it reflects innovation and community-centered outcomes

How to Apply

To apply to the INDECS Scholarship, candidates must first apply to the MMSc-BMI Program by the application deadline.

Shortly after the MMSc-BMI application deadline, eligible candidates will receive an email with instructions on how to submit the following application materials:

  • A personal statement of up to 750 words describing:
    • Your sustained commitment to community service and/or social innovation, highlighting your specific role(s), the impact of your work, and any creative or novel data-driven approaches you contributed.
    • How you envision to leverage your MMSc-BMI training to continue to make a meaningful impact in the future.
  • Submission of a FAFSA form via https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa to determine financial need eligibility. Note: Graduate and professional students are considered independent students for FAFSA purposes; therefore, you won't need to provide parent information in the submission. Remember to choose the correct school year and list “E00472” for the HMS school code. [Address: Harvard University Medical School, Boston, MA].
  • One letter of recommendation from a supervisor, mentor, advisor, or community leader who can speak firsthand about your experience and commitment to community service and/or social innovation. Note that this letter of recommendation is specific to the INDECS Scholarship application and separate from the three letters of recommendation required for the MMSc-BMI application.
  • Optional: Portfolio - Screenshots, reports, articles, presentations, apps, etc., on previous service or social innovation work.

The INDECS application, FAFSA form, and letter of recommendation are due by 11:59 pm EST on February 23rd, 2026.

After receiving an offer of admission to the MMSc-BMI program in early March, INDECS Scholarship finalists will participate in a virtual interview with the INDECS Scholarship Committee around mid-March. 

Note that current Master's students are not eligible to apply. Up to two scholarships will be granted each year. The program reserves the right not to award the scholarship in any particular year.

Questions? Email INDECS@hms.harvard.edu

Harvard Medical School does not discriminate against applicants or students on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, or any other protected classification.