International Traineeships in AIDS Prevention Studies (ITAPS)

University Of California, San Francisco, San Francisco CA

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

International Traineeships in AIDS Prevention Studies (ITAPS) PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT This renewal application for the International Traineeships in AIDS Prevention Studies (ITAPS) program, University of California, San Francisco will promote global HIV prevention research by enhancing the capacity of early-mid career investigators from low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) to publish their research and learn to provide effective mentorship to others. The prevalence and incidence of HIV continue to be greatest in LMIC, with infections rising for the first time in regions outside sub-Saharan Africa. ITAPS is a mature program that has trained 447 scientists from 57 countries and led numerous in-country workshops; 87% of papers initiated have been published. ITAPS has served as a catalyst for many to pursue further degrees, advance professionally, continue to publish, and become leaders in their fields. Despite this success, further training of scientists from regions with increasing HIV epidemics and focused on key populations are needed, accompanied by local institutionalization of training. A large proportion of HIV research in LMIC continues to be spearheaded by investigators from high-income countries who lead authorship; mentorship skills are not taught or considered important. We will address these issues through our training. Applicants will be drawn from global HIV research networks and institutions. Initial writing training will be zoom-based with small group discussions to analyze data and produce scientific papers from publication in peer reviewed journals; regional workshops will be held to ensure completion of papers; follow-up will continue until papers are published. Mentors-in-training will participate in a zoom-based mentor skills workshop, support writing trainees, gain experience teaching, and co- implement regional workshops. Both mentors and writing trainees will receive guidance from ITAPS faculty throughout. New this cycle will be inclusion of training in AI literacy, greater recruitment of trainees from regions with increasing HIV epidemics, and facilitating uptake of training and mentorship by in-country institutions. We are unique in providing on-going one-one mentorship by faculty leading to long term relationships and collaborations, and having a multiplicative impact on training LMIC investigators. Aim 1. Provide research experiences and training for LMIC early-career investigators. We will support 7 LMIC trainees/year to develop research questions based on the existing knowledge, and to write and publish first-authored manuscripts. Aim 2. Provide mentorship activities for more advanced LMIC investigators. We will support more advanced LMIC investigators (4/year, 20 total) to learn mentorship skills, to apply these by supporting ITAPS trainees, and to advance mentorship at their institutions . Aim 3. To implement regional workshops. We will implement 2 regional workshops/year for trainees to complete manuscripts, provide further experience for mentors, and enhance the capacity of the hosting institutions.