INDECS Scholarship

The Biomedical Informatics Inclusive, Diverse, and Equitable Communities Success (INDECS) Scholarship advances the DBMI Diversity Mission to help build and support a diverse, inclusive, and equitable Biomedical Informatics field. The 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. 

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 are committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion for underserved populations as demonstrated through their past or current research experiences and/or extracurricular activities. Our past INDECS Scholars are: Sofia Rojas (2023), Kyla Gabriel (2023), and Neha Dantuluri (2024).

To apply to the INDECS Scholarship, candidates must:

  • Apply to the MMSc-BMI program before the application deadline of January 8, 2025.
  • Shortly after the application deadline, eligible candidates will receive an email with instructions on how to submit the following application materials:

1. An essay of up to 750 words describing:

  • The research experiences and/or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts for underserved populations.

  • How this commitment has and will continue to shape you personally and professionally.

2. 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].

3. One letter of recommendation from a supervisor, mentor, or advisor who can speak firsthand about your experience and commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion for underserved populations. 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.

The INDECS application, FAFSA application, and letter of recommendation are due by 11:59 pm EST on February 23rd, 2025.

After receiving an offer of admission to the MMSc-BMI program in early March, 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.