NIH Workshop for Early Career Investigators in HIV

Event Description

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of AIDS Research (OAR) and partners across NIH invite you to attend the fourth annual Workshop for Early Career Investigators in HIV:

Monday, September 28, 2026
11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. EDT
Virtual Zoom Event

Attendees will have opportunities to:

• Learn about the new NIH OAR strategic priorities and how they are shaping the future of HIV research across NIH.
• Gain an introduction to implementation science and explore how implementation-focused approaches can help move HIV research discoveries into practice.
• Learn about opportunities in research on aging, including emerging priorities related to HIV, comorbidities, and the needs of people aging with HIV.
• Explore career development paths for early career investigators (ECIs) and learn about mentorship opportunities, strategies for building a successful research career, and NIH resources available to support ECIs.
• Find out about policy updates relevant to HIV research, NIH funding, and the broader research environment.
• Learn about HIV research funding opportunities and the NIH grant application process.
• Network with fellow HIV researchers, exchange ideas, and meet possible collaborators among the next generation of HIV investigators.

Bring your questions and ideas and come prepared to interact in an open and friendly environment. This workshop is designed to encourage discussion, connection, and collaboration among ECIs, NIH staff, and partners across the HIV research community.

Intended Audience

• Early stage investigators (ESIs): As defined by NIH, these are scientists within 10 years of earning their terminal degree who are applying for an independent grant
• Early career investigators (ECIs): A term that includes ESIs, recently awarded grantees (within two years), and those who are pursuing their first independent grant
• Undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in learning about the professional path of an NIH-funded researcher

OAR’s Support of Early Career Investigators

OAR continues to build human resource and infrastructure capacity to enhance the sustainability of HIV research discovery and implement findings from a multidisciplinary workforce, as stated in Goal 4 of the FY 2021-2025 NIH Strategic Plan for HIV and HIV-Related Research. This plan provides a roadmap for the NIH HIV research program, ensuring funds are allocated based on the NIH HIV scientific research priorities.

OAR actively collaborates with NIH Institutes, Centers, and Offices (ICOs) to provide valuable resources and networking opportunities for the next generation of HIV researchers. By partnering with NIH ICOs, OAR aims to expand career development pathways for ECIs, offering them insights into the NIH scientific review process and fostering their growth in the field.

Find additional resources for ECIs in HIV.

Additional Resources

View recordings and read a summary of the 2025 workshop.

Previous event slides are available by request. Email OAR at [email protected].