The TGH–USF Nursing Research Fellowship is a transformative professional development program designed to empower nurses to become research leaders, innovators and contributors to the advancement of nursing science. Through a unique partnership between Tampa General Hospital and the University of South Florida, the fellowship provides frontline nurses with the knowledge, mentorship and hands-on experience needed to conduct meaningful research that improves patient care, workforce outcomes and health care delivery.
Created to expand nursing research capacity and cultivate the next generation of nurse scientists, the fellowship offers participants a structured pathway to develop research skills while working alongside experienced researchers, academic partners and subject matter experts. By investing in nurse-led inquiry, TGH is strengthening a culture of innovation and evidence-based practice that supports excellence across the organization.
Building the Future of Nursing Research
Launched in January 2026 in collaboration with the People Development Institute (PDI), the TGH–USF Nursing Research Fellowship was established to create new opportunities for nurses to engage in scholarly inquiry and research leadership. The inaugural pilot cohort is scheduled to begin in October 2026 and will include four nurses selected to participate in a year-long immersive learning experience.
The fellowship is specifically designed for frontline clinical nurses who have limited or no prior research experience but are interested in exploring clinical questions, improving outcomes and contributing to the advancement of nursing knowledge. Participants will be paired with experienced mentors from TGH and USF, as well as other subject matter experts who will provide guidance throughout the fellowship experience.
Bridging academic expertise with real-world clinical practice, the program helps transform ideas generated at the bedside into research initiatives capable of driving meaningful change.
A Mentored & Goal-Oriented Research Experience
Over the course of 12 months, fellows will work closely with research mentors to develop, implement and disseminate a nursing research project. The program provides comprehensive support through every stage of the research process, ensuring participants gain practical experience while building confidence as emerging nurse researchers.
Key areas of fellowship training and mentorship include:
- Research question development
- Literature review and evidence appraisal
- Study design and methodology
- Institutional Review Board (IRB) processes
- Data collection and management
- Data analysis and interpretation
- Research implementation
- Manuscript and publication development
- Presentation and dissemination of findings
This structured approach allows participants to experience the full lifecycle of a research project while developing the skills necessary to conduct future scholarly work independently.
Advancing Professional Growth and Nursing Research Excellence
The fellowship is more than a research training program—it is an investment in nursing leadership, professional development and the future of nursing science. Fellows gain exposure to interdisciplinary collaboration, academic partnerships and evidence-based decision-making while contributing to projects that address real health care challenges.
Through mentorship and guided learning, participants develop the skills needed to transform clinical observations into meaningful research questions and actionable solutions. As they advance through the program, fellows contribute to scholarly projects that support publications, presentations and the generation of new knowledge that improves patient care and health care delivery.
The long-term vision of the TGH–USF Nursing Research Fellowship is to establish a sustainable annual pipeline for nursing research development. By creating opportunities for more nurses to engage in research and become future research leaders, the program strengthens TGH's culture of inquiry and innovation while generating preliminary data that can support future National Institute of Health (NIH) and other external funding opportunities.
Through this investment in nursing scholarship, TGH and USF are building a framework that advances nursing science, strengthens academic-clinical partnerships and empowers nurses to shape the future of health care.
Join the Next Generation of Nurse Researchers: Apply for Our Fellowship
The TGH–USF Nursing Research Fellowship represents a unique opportunity for nurses to expand their professional capabilities, contribute to meaningful research and become part of a growing community of nurse scholars and innovators at Florida's Premier Academic Health System™ and five-time Magnet® designated hospital, recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
As the inaugural cohort prepares to launch, the fellowship marks an important step forward in TGH's commitment to advancing nursing science, supporting lifelong learning and creating opportunities for nurses to lead the discoveries that improve health care for generations to come.
Contact us at (813) 844-7000 to learn more about the criteria for the fellowship or submit an application.