The HIV Research Training Program of the New York State International Training and Research Program (NYS-ITRP) provides training for public health scientists, researchers, academic public health faculty, and government public health officials in Ukraine. NYS-ITRP is a partnership between University at Albany School of Public Health, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, the Ukrainian Institute for Public Health Policy (UIPHP) and National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy School of Public Health (NaUKMA SPH).

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Program Goal: Our aim for our trainees is to return to their home institution to develop an HIV related research project related to behavioral, implementation science or epidemiological studies. Our overall goal is to train and support a new generation of researchers who can respond to gaps in the HIV care continuum in Ukraine and to build in-country research and training capacity.

All trainees will begin coursework the third week of August 2024 in Albany, New York, USA. 

CURRENT TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES:

1. Public Health Fellowship Certificate program

This twelve-month program includes two semesters of 24 credit hour/8-9 course training at SUNY School of Public Health in Albany, New York. Courses will focus on epidemiology, biostatistics and research design. Academic coursework will be followed by a 2-3 month summer internship at the New York State Department of Health to provide practical experience in HIV-focused research and implementation science. Trainees will focus on the development of a research proposal relevant to Ukraine and will have the opportunity to apply for a research grant to fund their proposal. 

Recent master’s level graduates (in fields such as public health or sociology) will have the opportunity to be placed in a research project in Ukraine for a nine-month mentorship program following their return.

2. MS Degree in Epidemiology or Biostatistics

This four semester 48-credit hour training at SUNY-SPH, designed for early career investigators positioned for research leadership, will emphasize the development of a thesis based on Ukrainian data with an HIV focus. MS degree trainees will also have an opportunity to complete a summer internship with New York State Department of Health. Trainees will have the opportunity to apply for research awards co-funded by UIPHP and the NYS-ITRP. Trainees in this track will also be expected to contribute to course instruction at NaUKMA SPH upon graduation. 

Criteria for ALL candidates:

• Ability to converse with ease in English during a preliminary interview with NYS-ITRP program staff; usually takes place around 3-6 months prior to application.
• Demonstrated interest or background in HIV, or closely related topic (such as infectious diseases or public health, substance use, epidemiology).
• Documentation from current supervisors to retain their academic/work position during their studies abroad.
• Capacity to obtain HIV-related data to develop into a research proposal.
• Capacity to conduct research within home institution upon returning from fellowship.
• Minimum TOEFL scores: Internet Based Test 79, IELTS 6.5, Duolingo 110.
• Preference given to candidates with access to Ukraine-based data sets related to HIV research for the development of a research proposal.

View information about the Program in pdf format: HIV Research Academic Fellowships for Ukrainian candidates 2024

For more information, please contact the Program Directors with a CV and brief statement of purpose: Jack DeHovitz, MD, MPH (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or Kostyantyn Dumchev, MD, MPH (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview to assess their experience, interests and English language skills. Final application to the University at Albany will be due by April 1, 2024.