Today, the Kirby Institute launched a new research capacity building initiative, the Cooper HIV/AIDS Research Training (CHART) Program.
Thanks to an unconditional grant from ViiV Healthcare, the Kirby Institute has developed a hands on program, hosted at UNSW Sydney, that will develop the skills of HIV researchers in the Asia-Pacific region.
“We are excited to launch the CHART Program, which was the vision of our late director, Professor David Cooper,” said Professor John Kaldor, who is one of the academic leads on the CHART Program. “David was passionate about capacity building initiatives in our region; not only to upskill researchers, but to ensure they are able to translate their newly acquired skills into active contributions to research and policy development in their own countries.”
The first CHART intake will accept nine health professionals from Asia-Pacific nations who have an interest in HIV-related research and experience working in an HIV-related field. They will attend three six-day workshops at the Kirby Institute, across one year, and complete projects in their home countries that harness the skills they have learned applied to their localised setting. The students will be fully funded for travel and tuition expenses.
“This is an excellent opportunity for Kirby Institute researchers to share their expertise and experience with colleagues from across the Asia-Pacific region. Participants will leave with new skills and knowledge that will drive HIV research and policy in their home countries," said Professor Anthony Kelleher, Director of the Kirby Institute. "This is entirely consistent with our drive to share knowledge and build capacity with the aim of allowing communities to develop their own solutions.”
For more information, and to apply for the CHART Program, visit https://kirby.unsw.edu.au/research-training. Applications close 22 April 2019.