Through the Rising Star Program, the Global Virus Network (GVN) identifies and supports promising early-career investigators who will one day lead the field of infectious diseases, developing innovative diagnostic and interventional strategies to combat human pathogens. 

Availability

• 5 Vacancies

Program duration

• Two years: the first year with a mentor, and the second year in independent practice.

Who Can Apply?

An eligible applicant must be:

• A GVN member, including GVN Centers of Excellence and Affiliates
• Post-doctoral, Research Associate, Instructor positions 
• Demonstrated experience conducting public health research and/or in basic, medical, or veterinary virology 
• A strong publication record 
• Priority will be given to applicants in low and middle-income countries 

Benefits of being a Rising Star

• Financial support for attending GVN-related meetings during the program 
• Access to closed GVN member meetings, such as action committee sessions, and to the GVN Intranet for collaboration and resource sharing
• Seed grant of up to $10,000 for first year of research support 
• Opportunity for grant management training with a mentor 
• Opportunity to work closely with other research collaborators to strengthen research programs and publications 

How to Apply

• One-page maximum letter of nomination by a GVN member or self-nomination 
• Personal statement answering the following prompt: What career/research question do you hope to address with this program that you have not found with mentors in your country/network? 
• CV 
• One page scope of work including research budget  

Application Deadline:

• Due January 31st, 2025, 5 PM Eastern Time

​​​​​Submit all the required documents in one package as a PDF to academy@gvn.org using the subject line: First and Last Name/RSMP

The GVN Rising Star Mentorship Program, established by the GVN Drs. Yang Liu & Pan Zheng Academy, aims to address the critical shortage of virologists in basic, clinical, and translational research, especially in low- and middle-income countries. As a core pillar of the GVN, training and education are essential to its mission. To help equip the next generation of virologists to tackle future global viral challenges, senior GVN members are dedicated to sharing their expertise with emerging scientists through mentorship and intensive training. If you are interested in supporting this program, please contact Avita Ukpabia at avitauk@gvn.org“