The HPTN Scholars Program seeks to provide scholar recipients with the knowledge, skills and connections to further their careers as independent investigators in the HIV prevention research field.
The HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) is proud to offer two scholarship programs for early-career investigators funded through a supplement from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). The HPTN Scholars Program now includes two components: a domestic (U.S.) program and an international program. Both programs seek to increase opportunities for scientists from groups under-represented in HIV prevention research. In the domestic program, successful applicants will be investigators who have received their terminal degree (MD, PhD, etc.). For the international program, current MD, PhD, and MBChB students may apply, along with individuals having already graduated with their terminal degree. In both programs, applicants should desire to work with a mentor scientist in the Network to complete a research project based upon an existing HPTN research study.
Scholars are provided funding to cover a portion of their time and expenses (typically 10-30%), including travel and research materials/supplies. Successful applicants will be funded for 18 months, subject to certain restrictions.
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Eligibility Criteria
- Have experience and/or substantial potential in conducting research with populations at risk.
- Have technical background suitable to become involved in a substantial component of the HPTN science agenda.
- Demonstrate plans to work with and be mentored by an investigator actively involved in HPTN research, based at an independent institution, or at the Central Resources of the HPTN.
- Have the support of their host academic institutions that would allow them the time to participate in the mentored research program, and to travel as required to work with their mentor and to key HPTN meetings.
- Be within 10 years of graduation with such a terminal degree, first postdoctoral fellowship, or first medical residency at the time applications are due.
- Develop a project idea that is linked with an approved HPTN study before applying to the program. The following studies are available for Scholars to use: HPTN 037, HPTN 039, HPTN 043, HPTN 052, HPTN 058, HPTN 063, HPTN 061, HPTN 064, HPTN 065, HPTN 066, HPTN 067, HPTN 068, HPTN 069, HPTN 071, HPTN 073, HPTN 074, HPTN 075, HPTN 077, HPTN 078, HPTN 082, HPTN 083-01, or HPTN 084-01.
For international applicants:
- Applicants must have the support of their host academic or work institutions that would allow them the time to participate in the mentored research program and to travel as required to work with their mentor and to key HPTN meetings.
- Applicants must be able to communicate effectively in English (via speech, reading, and writing).
- Applicants must plan to continue working in the country in which their mentor is located.
How To Apply
Please read the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FoA) for the 2025-2026 HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) Scholars Program.
NOTE: The application process for the HPTN Scholars Program is a two-step process. All candidates applying for the program must complete Steps 1 and 2 below for full consideration.
Step 1: Submit a Draft Proposal
- Deadline: December 6, 2024
- Submit a draft project proposal to the Scholars Program Management Team (scholarspm@hptn.org).
- The draft proposal will then undergo reviews by HPTN Scholars Program Leadership, the HPTN study team in which the project proposal is based, and other supportive bodies as appropriate (the Laboratory Center (LC) and the Statistical and Data Management Center (SDMC)).
All candidates are expected to work on Step 2 while the draft project proposal is being reviewed by the HPTN. Once the draft proposal is submitted for review as outlined in Step 1, all candidates should begin working on the full application package.
Step 2: Submit Full Application Package
Documents required to be submitted as part of the full HPTN Scholars Program application package are listed below:
- Deadline: February 7, 2025
- Scholars Program Application Checklist
- Scholars Program Application
- Mentorship Agreement
- PHS 398 Grant Application and Budget (see example)
- Documentation/copy of current human subjects’ protection (HSP) training certificate
- Documentation/copy of current good clinical practice (GCP) training certificate
- Current available financial audit from your institution
- Letters of support from primary mentor (support letters from co-mentors are encouraged, but not required), current supervisor, and another professional recommender
- Copy of revised project proposal (NOTE: This version must incorporate the feedback returned from the HPTN reviews noted above in Step 1)
Key Dates:
- Draft proposal due: December 6, 2024
- HPTN review period: Dec 9, 2024 – Jan 10, 2025
- Comments returned to applicants: Jan 13-17, 2025
- Full application package due: February 7, 2025
- Final program selections: Week of March 24, 2025
For questions or to request access to study-related documents (i.e. case reports form (CRFs), behavioral assessments, etc.), please email Scholars Program Management Team at scholarspm@hptn.org.
Our Leadership | |||
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Dr. Sten Vermund | Dr. Darrell Wheeler | Dr. Quarraisha Abdool Karim | Dr. David Serwadda |