The Enterprise African Research Network (EARN)

Through these activities, the Enterprise African Research Network works towards the following objectives: 

1. Increase knowledge and skills of African researchers in HIV vaccine R&D. 

2. Provide small research grants to early- and mid-career African scientists.

3. Develop a global network supporting African researchers to develop their careers in HIV vaccine R&D.  

The Steering Committee comprises experts in the HIV vaccine field. It is responsible for the development of the HIV Vaccine Science Academy programme, identification of key faculty, review of applications and selection of fellows.

Meet the Steering Committee:

Objectives:

1. Train on state-of-the-art HIV vaccine research and development, notably vaccine design, trial design, laboratory and data analysis and training in the use of relevant scientific tools and skills (for example, scientific writing).

2. Provide opportunities for the participants to engage and discuss with leaders in the HIV vaccine field in a retreat-type setting, with a view to building and facilitating collaborations in the search for an HIV vaccine.

3. Provide opportunities for participants to establish a sustainable network across different research institutions and create momentum for African-led research.

4. Identify mentees for a mentorship scheme to ensure long-term beneficial impact and continued educational opportunities and to provide critical guidance and further networking.

Download the booklet here.

Academy participant Mildred Obare was featured in the #IASONEVOICE campaign on World Creativity and Innovation Day in April 2023.

Objectives:

1. Inspire mentees to set goals for personal growth and learning.

2. Connect established scientific leaders in the HIV vaccine field around the globe with junior scientists from central, eastern, western and southern Africa.

3. Provide mentees with guidance, advice and feedback from mentors with more experience.

4. Increase mentees’ productivity, self-efficacy and career satisfaction.

5. Provide an opportunity for mentees to establish personal and professional relationships across different research institutions and create momentum for African-led research.

Objectives:

1. Develop and foster state-of-the-art HIV vaccine research in central, eastern, western and southern Africa in collaboration with international research institutions.

2. Train and retain postdoctoral researchers in the HIV vaccine research space in central, eastern, western and southern Africa.

3. Equip fellows to establish themselves as independent researchers with the ability to establish their own research teams at host institutions in central, eastern, western and southern Africa.

4. Establish sustainable research networks between research institutions in different environments around the globe

Selected applicants will enrol in a two-year research programme that may include time spent in an international institution with the aim of conducting a research project focusing on HIV vaccine development. During the course of the programme, they will receive technical and scientific training. Senior researchers and scientists are encouraged to support fellows in their institution of origin and partner organizations as co-mentors.