AIDS 2026 Prevention Ambassador Fellowship – Call for Applications

About the International AIDS Society (IAS)

The International AIDS Society (IAS) is the world’s largest association of HIV professionals. Since its creation, the IAS has worked tirelessly to convene, educate, and advocate for a world where HIV is no longer a threat to public health or individual well-being.

• Founded by concerned scientists after the emergence of HIV and AIDS.
• Brings together experts from across disciplines to promote a unified global HIV response.
• Hosts the world’s most prestigious HIV conferences:
  • The International AIDS Conference
  • The IAS Conference on HIV Science
  • The HIV Research for Prevention Conference

Through these efforts, the IAS unites scientists, policymakers, and activists to galvanize the scientific response, build solidarity, and enhance human dignity for all those living with and affected by HIV.

Purpose of the Fellowship

The AIDS 2026 Prevention Ambassador Fellowship is designed to support individuals working to advance knowledge and access to HIV prevention. The fellowship aims to:

• Amplify the reach of HIV prevention advocates.
• Strengthen networks and collaborations.
• Engage fellows with the latest prevention science and policy developments at AIDS 2026, the 26th International AIDS Conference.

Conference details:

• Dates: 26–31 July 2026
• Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Format: In-person and virtual participation

Fellowship Benefits

Successful applicants will receive support to:

• Implement a digital content project on HIV prevention ahead of AIDS 2026, contributing to the IAS Rethink. Rebuild. Rise. campaign (up to USD 500 in project costs).
• Design and create digital content during AIDS 2026, translating the latest scientific, policy, and activism updates for target audiences (up to USD 500 in project costs).
• Attend AIDS 2026 in person, with support for travel, accommodation, per diem, ground transport, and visa costs (if applicable).
• Connect with researchers, policymakers, and activists working in HIV prevention.
• Participate in networking and professional development opportunities during the conference.

Duration

• Fellowship begins after a competitive review and selection process.
• Notification of selection: March 2026
• Fellowship ends: 14 August 2026
• Application deadline: 15 February 2026, 23:00 CET

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must demonstrate the following:

• Proven track record in advancing knowledge and access to HIV prevention (e.g., PrEP/PEP, U=U, harm reduction, long-acting prevention, combination prevention, and policy).
• Experience in content creation on HIV prevention across digital or social media platforms.
  • Minimum of 5,000 total followers/subscribers across platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, X, Bluesky, podcasts, blogs, newsletters, or community radio with digital presence.
  • Applicants without these metrics may qualify through documented community engagement or consistent content with measurable impact.
• Commitment to ethical reporting standards, evidence-based communication, and rights-based language (aligned with IAS guidelines).
• Proficiency in English (multilingual creators encouraged).
• Commitment to participate in pre-event onboarding (virtual) and full AIDS 2026 dates.
• Minimum age: 18 years or older at the time of application.

Priority Considerations

Preference will be given to applicants who:

• Represent or work closely with key and priority populations, including:
  • People living with and affected by HIV
  • Men who have sex with men
  • Transgender people
  • Sex workers
  • People who inject drugs
  • Adolescent girls and young women
  • Migrants and other underserved communities
• Are based in low- and middle-income countries and/or produce content for underserved audiences.
• Demonstrate collaborations with community-led organizations, clinics, or advocacy coalitions.

Application Process

Interested candidates must complete the official application form available.

Applications should include:

• Demographic information
• Work history
• Motivation statement
• Descriptions of two digital prevention communication projects:
  • One project planned before AIDS 2026.
  • One project during AIDS 2026.
  • Each description should outline intended outcomes, themes, target audiences, platforms to be used, and two sample posts.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV), including portfolio and/or links to recent prevention-related digital content (last 6–12 months).
• Evidence of reach (e.g., screenshots of engagement analytics, qualitative metrics).
• Letter of support from employer (if applicable).
• Letter of reference if self-employed.

Confidentiality: All application information will be treated confidentially. Only selected candidates will be contacted.

Questions: Applicants may submit inquiries via email.

Distinction from Media Scholarship

It is important to note that the AIDS 2026 Prevention Ambassador Fellowship is distinct from the AIDS 2026 Media Scholarship. Qualified candidates may apply to both opportunities if eligible.

The AIDS 2026 Prevention Ambassador Fellowship is a unique opportunity for digital creators and advocates to amplify their impact in HIV prevention. By engaging with the latest science, policy, and activism, fellows will not only contribute to the Rethink. Rebuild. Rise. campaign but also strengthen their professional networks and visibility in the global HIV response. Learn more and apply here.