The Enterprise African Research Network (EARN)
EARN was established in 2020 to support African researchers in their ongoing efforts to mobilize, advocate and coordinate action and funding towards an increased role in shaping the HIV vaccine research and development (R&D) agenda.
The EARN programme is composed of:
The EARN programme aims to:
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Increase knowledge and skills of African researchers in HIV vaccine R&D.
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Provide research grants to early- and mid-career African scientists.
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Develop a global network supporting African researchers to develop their careers in HIV vaccine R&D.
The HIV Vaccine Academies
The HIV Vaccine Academies are designed to empower the next generation of early- to mid-career researchers and advocates from central, eastern, southern and western Africa and equip them to carve their paths as independent researchers and dynamic change makers in the HIV vaccine field.
HIV Vaccine Science Academy
Goals:
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Training from experts: Deliver training on state-of-the-art HIV vaccine research and development, including vaccine and trial design, laboratory and data analysis, and use of relevant scientific tools and skills (such as scientific writing).
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Networking opportunities: Fellows can engage with leaders in the HIV vaccine field in a retreat-type setting to build collaborations that link African scientists to global networks.
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Collaboration with African researchers: Fellows can establish sustainable networks across research institutions and create momentum for African-led research.
Meet the fellows and read their stories in the 2024 edition of HIV Vaccine Science Academy
HIV Vaccine Advocacy Academy
In the HIV Vaccine Advocacy Academy, advocates and peer educators from the African continent embark on a journey of career development in HIV vaccine R&D advocacy.
The academy is a space where fellows can interact with leading researchers and advocates in the HIV vaccine R&D field. Fellows build their literacy in HIV vaccine research, as well as their advocacy and engagement skills.
Our mission is to equip advocates who will boldly lead the change towards a world that is free of HIV as a public health threat
Goals:
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Amplify voices: Expand the network of African advocates working in the HIV vaccine field.
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Capacity building: Build fellows’ capacity and HIV vaccine research literacy to understand and disseminate information to their communities about HIV vaccine research strategies and barriers to successful prevention.
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Stakeholder engagement: Galvanize support for HIV vaccine R&D from fellows’ communities, policy makers, the media and other stakeholders.
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Bridging the gap: Empower fellows to actively engage their communities in HIV prevention.
Meet the fellows and read their stories in the December 2023 edition of HIV Vaccine Advocacy Academy
The Mentorship Programme
Through the IAS Mentorship Programme, the Global HIV Vaccine Enterprise has offered empowerment opportunities for early- and mid-career investigators conducting HIV vaccine research on the African continent since 2022.
Goals:
- Guidance: Inspire mentees to set goals for personal growth and learning.
- Building connections: Connect established scientific leaders in the HIV vaccine field around the globe with emerging scientists from central, eastern, southern and western Africa.
- Long-term impact: Increase mentees’ productivity, self-efficacy and career satisfaction.
- Networking opportunities: Provide opportunities for fellows to establish a sustainable network across research institutions and create momentum for African-led research.
Facilitating collaborating through a data-sharing platform will lay the groundwork for more efficient and effective research that can lead to new discoveries and hopefully an effective HIV vaccine.
Mildred Obare
Looking ahead: The Fellowship Programme
The Global HIV Vaccine Enterprise aims to support early- and mid-career investigators conducting HIV vaccine research in Africa by providing opportunities for training, networking and mentorship.
Goals:
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Develop and foster state-of-the-art HIV vaccine research in central, eastern, western and southern Africa in collaboration with international research institutions.
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Train and retain postdoctoral researchers in the HIV vaccine research space in central, eastern, western and southern Africa.
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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.
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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.
If you are a funder interested in the Fellowship Programme, please reach out to enterprise@iasociety.org
Why join an EARN programme?
You will be able to contribute to long-term impact, fostering robust networks and championing research ownership or advocacy across Africa.
Sign up for the IAS newsletter and select the “Global HIV Vaccine Enterprise” to join our mailing list and be notified when applications open!