The Center for Global Health Equity proudly announces the Timothy R.B. Johnson, M.D. Student Award for Excellence in Global Health, recognizing University of Michigan students who exemplify the spirit of visionary leadership and excellence in global health demonstrated by Johnson.
This award honors the late Timothy R.B. Johnson, M.D. — faculty emeritus, distinguished global health pioneer and transformative member of the U-M community since 1993. Johnson served as the Bates Professor of the Diseases of Women and Children and chaired the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Michigan. Over his illustrious career, he authored more than 250 articles, chapters and books, and was elected to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences. In 2005, he was recognized with the Distinguished Service Award, the highest honor from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Johnson's career was devoted to advancing sustainable capacity building in women's health, reproductive rights and justice, and sexual and human rights in low- and middle-income countries. He worked extensively in sub-Saharan Africa to strengthen health systems and support the development of professional medical societies. His research pioneered new approaches to prenatal and postnatal care and global women's health practices. Johnson's unwavering commitment to global health equity closely aligns with the Center's mission to empower women and communities and promote stronger health systems.
The Timothy R.B. Johnson, M.D. Student Award for Excellence in Global Health is open to currently enrolled students from Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint campuses who have made outstanding contributions to global health. Award recipients will be recognized for excellence in global health scholarship and practice, carrying forward Johnson's remarkable legacy.
Nominees must be currently enrolled students at any of the three University of Michigan campuses: Ann Arbor, Dearborn, or Flint. Nominees must have demonstrated outstanding contributions to global health through research, practice, advocacy, or community engagement.
Nominations may be submitted by faculty, staff, peers, or self-nomination.
Nominations must be submitted via the official online form.
All nominations must be received by February 23, 2026.
The Center for Global Health Equity will appoint a committee of interdisciplinary faculty and/or global health professionals. The committee will review all eligible nominations using a standardized evaluation rubric, focusing on:
Awardees will be notified by email and publicly announced at the Center for Global Health Equity Research Symposium on Monday, March 23, 2026. Recipients will receive a certificate, a monetary award of $500 (note: may affect current financial aid award; may be taxable as income), and be profiled on the center’s website and social media.
For questions regarding the nomination process, contact [email protected]
All nominations must be received by February 23, 2026.
