Education & Training
Educating and training the next generation of virologists is a foundational cornerstone of the GVN’s mission. There is a global shortage of experts in basic, clinical, and translational research, especially in low- and middle-income countries. To help close this gap, GVN senior virologists provide mentorship and intensive training for early-career scientists. Thanks to the generosity of Drs. Yang Liu and Pan Zheng, the GVN Academy supports five dedicated training and mentorship programs. To date, more than 150 alumni have become GVN-certified through these initiatives, building a strong pipeline of future leaders in virology.
If you are interested in any of the programs of the GVN Academy, please contact Avita Ukpabia, Program Administrator
Alumni Support
Overview: The commitment to building a global network of top-tier scientists is at the heart of GVN's values. Part of that commitment includes providing regular opportunities for relationship building as well as professional growth and development. The GVN hosts yearly alumni events to foster collaboration among our more than 100 academy alumni along with senior scientists.
Our networking series assists in the establishment of connections that open doors, eases career transitions, and provides opportunities to collaborate and learn from one another. It is a high-impact hybrid series that provides GVN alumni with insight, information, and connections to help them launch, grow, and expand their bright futures.
For questions about the Alumni Support, please contact us at [email protected] using the subject line: First and Last Name/Alumni Support.
Request for Proposals (RFP): Educational and Training Grants
Overview: The GVN is committed to strengthening global health and advancing research on viral threats and pandemic preparedness. As part of this mission, we provide several educational grants to support the training of the next generation of virologists. These funds are intended to be used to advance the career of the trainees, which may include research costs, training courses or workshops, conference attendance, or travel to learn skills from another GVN site.
Objective: The objective of this RFP is to solicit support of postdoctoral and graduate trainees working at one of the GVN Centers of Excellence or Affiliates for one year.
Closed to applications – For questions about the Educational and Training Grants, please contact us at [email protected] using the subject line: First and Last Name/Educational Grant
GVN Rising Star Mentorship Program
Overview: Emerging infectious diseases pose a threat to public health. In this context, supporting and nurturing early-career, well-trained virologists is critical. The GVN Rising Star Mentorship Program was created to strengthen the pipeline of skilled virologists worldwide. By pairing early-career scientists with senior GVN mentors, the program provides training, research support, and international collaboration opportunities to prepare the next generation of leaders in infectious disease research.
Objectives: The GVN Rising Star Mentorship Program is designed to support and mentor early-career virologists working in basic, clinical, and translational research. By focusing on building research capacity—especially in low- and middle-income countries—the program strengthens global preparedness for viral threats. Participants receive training in grant management, research design, and collaboration, while also gaining exclusive access to GVN’s global networks, meetings, and resources. Through this combination of mentorship, skills development, and international engagement, the program equips emerging scientists to tackle emerging and re-emerging viral challenges with innovative approaches.
If you are interested in supporting this program, please contact Avita Ukpabia at [email protected]
Global Guardian for Pandemic Preparedness High School Summer Program
Overview: The Global Virus Network’s (GVN) Global Guardian for Pandemic Preparedness High School Summer Program is a free, three-day immersive program for high school students, hosted at the University of South Florida. The camp connects students with leading virologists, epidemiologists, and public health experts through interactive sessions, lab and hospital tours, hands-on demonstrations, and real-world problem-solving activities. Designed for students with an interest in science and at least one biology class completed, the camp makes complex topics accessible and exciting while showcasing future career paths in medicine, research, and global health.
Objective: The goal of the camp is to inspire and prepare the next generation of scientists and public health leaders by deepening understanding of how pandemics emerge, how viruses spread, and how communities respond. By fostering critical thinking, scientific curiosity, and global awareness, the program equips students with the knowledge and perspective needed to play an active role in protecting public health and advancing pandemic preparedness in the future.
For questions about the High School Summer Program, please get in touch with us at a[email protected] using the subject line: First and Last Name/HS.
DEADLINE EXTENDED
The original September 1 deadline has been extended. Apply by September 19, 2025 at 11:59 pm ET for In-Person Attendance and November 14, 2025 at 11:59 pm ET for Online Attendance.
Our Short Course for 2025 is an intensive course on the fundamental, translational, and clinical aspects of viruses relevant to human health. Lectures will be delivered by leading virologists from GVN Centers of Excellence and all didactic lectures focus on cutting-edge aspects of virus research.
- Join global virology leaders for a dynamic short course hosted by the Global Virus Network.
- Explore high-impact pathogens, cutting-edge research, and pandemic preparedness through lectures, site visits, and hands-on learning.
- Gain access to experts in vaccines, antivirals, One Health, and AI, with tailored mentorship and global networking.
Explore the front lines of global virology with world-renowned experts in this dynamic, multi-day short course hosted by the Global Virus Network.
Since 2014, our Short Course has helped advance the careers of more than 100 scientists worldwide.
Below are general application and registration details:
Location: Tampa, FL
Duration: December 3-12, 2025
Availability: 30 seats
Format: Hybrid
Course fee
- $1,900 (USD) for in-person participants. Includes tuition, accommodation, lunch, and a welcome dinner. Travel to/from the lodging location is not included.
- $950 (USD) for local participants who do not require accommodation.
- Virtual: $500 (regular) • $250 (LMICs) • $200 (postdocs, undergraduate and graduate students). The virtual format includes lectures only and does not feature any live interaction sessions.
- Deposit: A 25% non-refundable deposit is due upon acceptance.
Eligibility
- Within five years post-graduation with a PhD or MD
Application Requirements
- Curriculum Vitae – include current position and brief description of responsibilities, all education, post-graduate training, training courses attended, and previously held professional positions
- A one-page summary of career goals for the next 5-10 years, including how the training in the GVN Short Course will be important in achieving your career goals
- Submit all the required documents in one package as a PDF to [email protected] using the subject line: First and Last Name/Short Course
- Deadline Extended to September 12, 2025, 11:59 PM Eastern time
Apply by Sept 19 (In-Person) / Nov 14 (Online)
Agenda
Please note that if needed, GVN will offer a formal invitation letter. We also encourage applicants who need visas to apply as soon as possible. GVN does not contact embassies nor guarantee that visas will be granted.
For any other questions about the Short Course, please email [email protected]. In general, please sign up for our newsletter to be notified regarding future application periods.
The Global Virus Network's (GVN) Virology Internship
Overview: The Global Virus Network’s (GVN) Virology Internship offers students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on scientific experience while engaging in the global health mission of combating viral threats. By working alongside world-renowned virologists and public health experts, interns participate in research coordination, conference planning, educational initiatives, and scientific information management. This immersive experience allows students to explore the dynamic field of virology while developing practical skills and building meaningful professional connections.
Objective: The internship is designed to ignite curiosity and cultivate the next generation of scientists, doctors, and global health leaders. By providing direct exposure to virology research and public health efforts, the program equips interns with the knowledge, skills, and inspiration to contribute to innovative solutions against emerging pathogens and strengthen global preparedness for future viral challenges.
For questions about the Virology Internship, please get in touch with us [email protected] using the subject line: First and Last Name/virology internship.