The Gilead Global Public Health Awards 2026 are now officially accepting applications from early career researchers and public health professionals from low- and middle-income countries who are committed to advancing country-driven research priorities related to HIV and viral hepatitis.
This prestigious initiative is designed to strengthen global public health research capacity by supporting emerging investigators working on issues affecting people infected with or at risk for viral hepatitis B, C, D, and HIV. The program specifically focuses on sustainable development goals and implementation science approaches that can create meaningful impact within local healthcare systems and communities.
Through this funding opportunity, selected applicants will receive up to $100,000 to conduct research projects over a two-year award period. The awards aim to empower junior faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and public health professionals who are building independent research careers while addressing urgent public health challenges in their countries and regions.
About the Gilead Global Public Health Awards
The Global Public Health Awards support independent early career investigators from eligible low- and middle-income countries globally. The initiative seeks to encourage country-driven and locally relevant research that improves outcomes for populations affected by HIV and viral hepatitis.
The awards recognize the importance of developing local research leadership and supporting scientists who understand the healthcare realities, policy environments, and public health priorities within their communities.
Applicants are encouraged to propose innovative and practical research projects that contribute to implementation science, prevention, healthcare access, public health systems, or community-centered interventions related to HIV and viral hepatitis.
The program also supports multidisciplinary approaches, allowing researchers from fields such as economics, engineering, anthropology, psychology, and other implementation science disciplines to apply, provided their work aligns with HIV or viral hepatitis public health priorities.
Grant Value and Number of Awards
The 2026 Global Public Health Awards will provide:
- 4 research awards
- Funding of up to $100,000 per award
- Support for a 2-year research project period
This funding is intended to help early career researchers establish themselves as independent investigators while generating evidence that can contribute to future research initiatives, publications, presentations, and policy development.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Gilead Global Public Health Awards 2026 is:
28 August 2026 at 11:59 PM CEST
Applicants are strongly encouraged to begin preparing their proposals early, especially because supporting documentation, mentorship arrangements, institutional approvals, and budget details may require significant preparation time.
Who Can Apply?
The awards are specifically designed for:
- Junior faculty members
- Early career public health researchers
- Postdoctoral researchers
- Emerging independent investigators
Applicants must be working within academic institutions, hospitals, ministries of health, or recognized public health organizations.
The program is intended for individuals who are building long-term careers in public health research and who demonstrate strong commitment to improving outcomes for people affected by HIV and viral hepatitis.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Global Public Health Awards 2026, applicants must meet all the following criteria:
Academic Qualifications
Applicants must hold one of the following degrees at the time of application submission:
- MD
- MBChB
- MBBS
- PhD
- Equivalent terminal degree
Early Career Requirement
- Applicants must be within 10 years of completing their terminal degree.
However, exceptions may be considered in cases such as:
- Parental leave
- Family bereavement
- Other approved career interruptions
Employment and Institutional Affiliation
Applicants must:
- Currently work within an academic research institution, hospital, ministry of health, or public health organization
- Be on track for a scientific research appointment, faculty position, or equivalent research leadership role
Research Mentor Requirement
Applicants must have:
- An in-country research mentor
- A mentor with extensive experience in HIV, viral hepatitis, or implementation science-related disciplines
Relevant fields may include:
- Public health
- Economics
- Engineering
- Anthropology
- Psychology
- Behavioral sciences
- Health systems research
Research Commitment
Applicants must be able to:
- Dedicate approximately 50% of their professional time to research activities over the next two years
This means balancing research responsibilities alongside limited administrative, clinical, or teaching obligations.
Research Focus
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Strong interest in public health research focused on HIV and/or viral hepatitis
- Ability to complete the proposed research within the 2-year award period
- Potential to generate evidence through:
- Manuscripts
- Conference presentations
- Research abstracts
- Future grant opportunities
Eligible Regions and Countries
Applicants must reside in eligible countries or regions within:
- Africa
- Commonwealth of Independent States
- South Asia
- Southeast Asia
Additionally, applicants must:
- Be citizens or permanent residents of the country where the research will be conducted
OR
- Hold a valid temporary study visa or non-immigrant visa that permits them to conduct research throughout the full two-year award period
Applicants using temporary visas must also demonstrate eligibility for visa renewal or extension if necessary.
Research Areas Supported
The program supports research related to:
- HIV prevention and care
- Viral hepatitis B
- Viral hepatitis C
- Viral hepatitis D
- Public health implementation science
- Sustainable development goals in healthcare
- Community health systems
- Prevention strategies
- Access to healthcare services
- Health equity initiatives
The emphasis is on practical, country-driven solutions that can improve public health outcomes and strengthen healthcare delivery systems.
Research Activities That Are NOT Eligible
The following types of projects are not eligible for funding:
Product-Specific Research
Projects focused on:
- Investigating Gilead products directly
- Comparing pharmaceutical products
- Product-specific safety studies
- Product-specific efficacy studies
- Cost-effectiveness studies for specific drugs
However, broad discussion of generic HIV prevention or treatment products within public health research contexts is allowed.
Clinical Intervention Studies
The program does not fund:
- Interventional clinical trials
- Pharmaceutical drug administration studies
- Clinical studies focused on competitor drug safety or efficacy
Co-Principal Investigator Applications
- Co-principal investigators are not eligible
- Applications must be submitted by a single lead investigator
Duplicate Funding
Projects cannot overlap with:
- Existing grants
- Pending funding sources
- Institutional or governmental funding covering the same activities
Applicants must clearly demonstrate there is no direct duplication of financial support.
Why This Opportunity Matters
The Global Public Health Awards represent an important investment in strengthening research leadership in low- and middle-income countries.
The initiative helps emerging researchers:
- Build independent research careers
- Generate locally relevant public health evidence
- Strengthen implementation science capacity
- Contribute to sustainable healthcare improvements
- Expand publication and conference opportunities
- Develop future grant competitiveness
For many early career investigators, this funding can serve as a major stepping stone toward becoming nationally or internationally recognized public health researchers.
Tips for Preparing a Strong Application
Applicants should consider the following when preparing their proposals:
Develop a Country-Relevant Research Question
Focus on challenges that are:
- Locally important
- Public health driven
- Relevant to HIV or viral hepatitis priorities in your country
Demonstrate Implementation Potential
Strong proposals often show:
- Real-world applicability
- Community impact
- Policy relevance
- Scalable interventions
Highlight Mentorship Support
Clearly explain:
- Your mentor’s expertise
- Institutional support
- Research environment
- Career development opportunities
Build a Realistic Timeline
Ensure the project:
- Can reasonably be completed within 2 years
- Includes measurable outputs and milestones
Ensure Budget Clarity
Provide detailed financial information and avoid any overlap with existing grants or funding streams.
Final Thoughts
The Gilead Global Public Health Awards 2026 provide a major opportunity for emerging researchers from low- and middle-income countries to contribute meaningful public health research focused on HIV and viral hepatitis.
With funding of up to $100,000, mentorship support, and a strong emphasis on country-driven impact, the program aims to strengthen the next generation of global public health leaders.
Researchers who are passionate about implementation science, healthcare equity, and sustainable public health solutions are strongly encouraged to apply before the August 2026 deadline.
