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 [email protected]
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 us at [email protected] using the subject line: First and Last Name/GVN Rising Star
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Interactive sessions led by virologists, epidemiologists, and public health experts
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Hands-on demonstrations and real-world problem-solving activities
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Guided laboratory and hospital tours
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Exposure to cutting-edge research and public health response efforts
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Exploration of careers in medicine, research, epidemiology, and global health
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University of South Florida (USF) campus and affiliated facilities
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Five-day immersive summer program
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$30 non-refundable application fee
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Accepted students may attend at no cost
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Florida high school students with an interest in science
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Completion of at least one biology course required
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Online application (applications open in early February)
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$30 non-refundable application fee
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On-campus housing options may be available for non-local students
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.
2026 Short Course in Translational Virology:
The 2026 GVN Short Course in Translational Virology is a 10-day 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 will focus on cutting-edge research, emerging viral threats, pathogenesis, immunology, diagnostics, therapeutics, vaccines, and pandemic preparedness.
The program combines didactic lectures with interactive discussions, networking opportunities, career development, and engagement with leading scientists, policymakers, and program officials from the University of South Florida. Participants gain a comprehensive understanding of translational virology while building lasting professional connections with peers and internationally recognized experts.
Participants who successfully complete the program will receive a GVN Short Course Certificate in Translational Virology.
Since 2014, the GVN Short Course has helped advance the careers of more than 150 scientists worldwide.
2026 Mini Course:
New for 2026, the Mini Course is embedded within the first 90 minutes of each morning of the GVN Short Course (9:00–10:30 a.m. ET). During this time, participants will explore broader public health topics and professional skills relevant to virology, including community engagement, mentorship, grant writing, education, science communication, and policy development.
The Mini Course is offered exclusively in a virtual format and is designed for participants who wish to engage with these broader public health and professional development topics independently of the full Short Course.
Virtual Mini Course participants will receive a dedicated livestream link providing access only to the morning Mini Course sessions. Participants who successfully complete the program will receive a GVN Mini-Certificate in Translational Virology.
Participants enrolled in either the in-person or virtual Short Course do not need to register separately for the Mini Course, as these sessions are automatically included as part of the Short Course curriculum.
Eligibility for the Mini Course includes undergraduate and master's students.
Location: Tampa, Florida, USA
Duration: November 2-13, 2026
Participation Options:
- Short Course
- Participants may enroll in the Short Course in one of two formats:
- In-person participation in Tampa, Florida (limited to 30 participants)
- Fully virtual participation (unlimited enrollment)
- Short Course participants select one participation format for the duration of the program and do not switch between in-person and virtual attendance.
- Participants may enroll in the Short Course in one of two formats:
- Mini Course
- The Mini Course is available exclusively in a virtual format with unlimited enrollment.
- Standalone Mini Course participants receive access only to the Mini Course sessions held from 9:00–10:30 a.m. ET each morning.
Short Course In-Person Course Fee:
- $2,500 USD for in-person participants requiring lodging.
- The course fee includes lodging, tuition, lunch, and a welcome dinner.
- All participants are responsible for their own travel to/from the Short Course lodging location.
- Participants can select a shared room option to reduce course fees to $1,300 USD.
- By selecting a shared room, participants agree to be paired with another course participant (matched by gender). While GVN will make every effort to ensure a comfortable stay, GVN is not responsible for roommate disputes or issues during the program. Participants who choose to switch to a private room during the course will be responsible for any additional accommodation costs or must reimburse GVN for the difference in tuition.
- $900 USD for in-person participants who do not require lodging (local participants).
- Early Bird in-person registration includes a $200 USD discount on total tuition and is available through August 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
Short Course Virtual Course Fee:
- $500 USD for virtual participants.
- $250 USD for virtual participants from LMICs, according to the World Bank classification.
- $200 USD for virtual participants who are students or trainees (postdocs, undergraduate, and graduate students).
- Please be aware that the virtual format includes only lectures and does not feature any live interaction sessions.
A 25% non-refundable deposit is due upon acceptance for all Short Course participants.
Mini Course Fee:
- $100 USD for virtual participation in the Mini Course.
The Mini Course is not available as an in-person standalone option.
Eligibility:
- Short Course Eligibility: Current PhD students, postdoctoral fellows, and young professionals within five years of graduation with a PhD, MD, or equivalent degree are eligible to apply. Exceptions may be made for exceptional master's and undergraduate students.
- Mini Course Eligibility: The Mini Course is intended for undergraduate students and master's students interested in virology, public health, and professional development topics relevant to future careers in infectious diseases and global health.
Application Fee:
- A $20 USD application fee is required for all applicants. For participants accepted into the program, the application fee will be applied toward tuition costs. For applicants who are not accepted, the application fee is non-refundable.
Application Requirements:
- Curriculum Vitae including 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 participation in the GVN Short Course will contribute to achieving those 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
Application Deadlines:
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and prospective participants are encouraged to submit their materials as early as possible
- August 3, 2026, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time: Early Bird deadline for the $200 discount on in-person Short Course tuition.
- September 18, 2026, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time: Application deadline for in-person Short Course participants requiring lodging.
- October 16, 2026, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time: Application deadline for in-person Short Course participants who do not require lodging and for virtual Short Course participants and Mini Course participants.
There are only 30 in-person Short Course seats available for the 2026 cohort. Virtual participation in both the Short Course and Mini Course is unlimited and available on a rolling basis until the application deadline.
Please note that if needed, GVN will provide formal invitation letters for accepted participants. Applicants requiring visas are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible. GVN does not contact embassies and cannot guarantee that visas will be granted.
For any questions about the Short Course or Mini Course, please contact the GVN Academy at [email protected].
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.