Application Deadline: 15 February 2026, 23:00 CET
The International AIDS Society (IAS) is now accepting applications for the AIDS 2026 Prevention Ambassador Fellowship. The IAS is a global organization dedicated to uniting experts, advocating, and educating to envision a future where HIV no longer threatens public health or individual lives. Established by scientists responding to the HIV and AIDS crisis, the IAS fosters collaboration among specialists worldwide and across various disciplines to drive a unified, effective approach against HIV.
The AIDS 2026 Prevention Ambassador Fellowship aims to empower professionals engaged in expanding knowledge and accessibility of HIV prevention methods. This fellowship will amplify their influence, enhance their professional networks, and provide direct engagement with cutting-edge prevention science and policy discussions at AIDS 2026 — the 26th International AIDS Conference. The conference is scheduled to take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 26 to 31 July 2026, convening researchers, clinicians, public health officials, community leaders, and people living with HIV in a hybrid format including both in-person and virtual participation.
Fellowship Benefits
- Pre-conference digital project: Fellows will create and implement digital content centered on HIV prevention prior to AIDS 2026, contributing to the IAS campaign titled Rethink. Rebuild. Rise. (up to USD 500 available to cover project expenses).
- Live content creation at AIDS 2026: Participants will design and produce digital materials during the conference, interpreting the newest scientific findings, policy updates, and activism related to HIV prevention for targeted audiences, again supporting the Rethink. Rebuild. Rise. initiative (up to USD 500 project support).
- Conference attendance support: The fellowship provides financial assistance to cover travel, accommodation, daily allowances, ground transportation, and visa fees (when required) for attending AIDS 2026 in person.
- Networking opportunities: Fellows will have the chance to connect with influential researchers, policymakers, and activists working in HIV prevention.
- Professional development: Access to various networking events and skill-building sessions during the conference.
Fellowship Duration
The fellowship period begins following a rigorous application review and selection process, with successful candidates notified by March 2026. The fellowship concludes on 14 August 2026.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should meet the following essential qualifications and experience:
- A demonstrated history of advancing HIV prevention knowledge and access, including but not limited to PrEP/PEP, U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable), harm reduction strategies, long-acting prevention, combination prevention approaches, and relevant policy work.
- Proven experience in creating digital or social media content focused on HIV prevention, with a minimum cumulative audience of 5,000 followers or subscribers across various platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, X, Bluesky, podcasts, blogs, newsletters, or community radio with a digital footprint. Candidates lacking these metrics may still qualify by demonstrating reach through alternative means like community network engagement or consistently documented audience interaction.
- A strong commitment to using ethical reporting practices along with evidence-based, non-stigmatizing, and rights-affirming language, adhering to the IAS communication guidelines.
- Proficiency in English is required to fully engage with AIDS 2026 content; multilingual creators are encouraged to apply.
- Willingness to participate in mandatory pre-event virtual onboarding sessions and attend the full duration of AIDS 2026.
- Applicants must be 18 years or older at the time of application submission.
Priority Considerations
Applications will receive priority if candidates:
- Represent or collaborate closely with key and priority populations such as people living with or affected by HIV, men who have sex with men, transgender individuals, sex workers, people who inject drugs, adolescent girls and young women, migrants, and other underserved groups.
- Are based in low- and middle-income countries or specifically create content aimed at underserved audiences.
- Have experience working with or partnering with community-led organizations, healthcare clinics, or advocacy coalitions.
How to Apply
Interested professionals are encouraged to download and complete the official application form available here. The application package must include:
- Personal demographic details
- A summary of your work experience
- A statement of motivation
- Brief outlines of two digital HIV prevention communication projects — one planned before AIDS 2026 and one during the event. For each, describe the intended impact, themes, target audience, platforms for dissemination, and provide two sample posts illustrating potential content.
- Curriculum vitae, including a portfolio or links to recent digital prevention content produced within the last 6 to 12 months, along with evidence of audience reach such as screenshots of engagement metrics or qualitative feedback
- A letter of support from your employer if currently employed
- A letter of reference if you are self-employed
The IAS guarantees confidentiality for all submitted application materials and will contact only those candidates selected for the fellowship. If you have questions or need further clarification, please reach out via email at conferences@iasociety.org.
For detailed information and to apply, please Visit the Official Webpage of the AIDS 2026 Prevention Ambassador Fellowship.
