Are you a young professional committed to advancing HIV prevention through advocacy, research, communication, or digital engagement? The International AIDS Society (IAS) AIDS 2026 Prevention Ambassador Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for emerging leaders to amplify their impact while engaging directly with the global HIV prevention community.
Through this fellowship, selected ambassadors will be supported to attend AIDS 2026, implement high-impact digital prevention projects, and strengthen professional networks within the global HIV response.
International AIDS Society (IAS) AIDS 2026 Prevention Ambassador Fellowship
The International AIDS Society (IAS) AIDS 2026 Prevention Ambassador Fellowship is a competitive, fully supported professional development program designed for individuals actively working to expand knowledge of and access to HIV prevention. It is strategically aligned with AIDS 2026, the 26th International AIDS Conference, which will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 26 to 31 July 2026.
Through this fellowship, emerging prevention advocates and content creators are empowered to translate complex HIV prevention science, policy, and activism into accessible, evidence-based digital content. In doing so, prevention messaging is amplified, underserved audiences are reached, and global dialogue on HIV prevention is strengthened. As a result, the fellowship plays a critical role in shaping inclusive and rights-based prevention narratives worldwide.
International AIDS Society (IAS) AIDS 2026 Prevention Ambassador Fellowship Summary
| Category | Details |
| Host Organization | International AIDS Society (IAS) |
| Conference Location | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil |
| Programme Type | Prevention Ambassador Fellowship |
| Target Group | Young Professionals and Content Creators |
| Focus Area | HIV Prevention, Policy, and Advocacy |
| Programme Duration | March 2026 – 14 August 2026 |
| Conference Dates | 26–31 July 2026 |
| Funding Coverage | Travel, Accommodation, Per Diem, Visa, Project Support |
| Project Support | Up to USD 1,000 (Pre- and During-Conference Projects) |
| Application Deadline | 15 February 2026 (23:00 CET) |
| Study/Engagement Mode | In-Person and Virtual Participation |
What Is the IAS AIDS 2026 Prevention Ambassador Fellowship All About?
The IAS AIDS 2026 Prevention Ambassador Fellowship was created to respond to the evolving needs of HIV prevention advocacy in a rapidly changing digital landscape. Although scientific advances in HIV prevention continue to accelerate, access to accurate, stigma-free, and rights-based information remains uneven. Therefore, this fellowship was designed to support skilled communicators who can bridge the gap between science and communities.
The International AIDS Society, which has played a central role in coordinating the global HIV response for decades, convenes experts, clinicians, researchers, and community leaders from around the world. Building on this legacy, the Prevention Ambassador Fellowship focuses on strengthening prevention-focused storytelling and digital engagement before, during, and after AIDS 2026.
Selected fellows are supported to design and implement two major digital projects: one in the months leading up to the conference and another during the conference itself. These projects are aligned with the IAS global prevention campaign, Rethink. Rebuild. Rise and are intended to translate cutting-edge research and policy discussions into content that resonates with diverse audiences.
Fellowship Duration and Key Activities
The fellowship officially begins after a competitive selection process, with successful applicants notified in March 2026. Engagement continues through to 14 August 2026, ensuring that post-conference reflection and dissemination activities are fully supported.
During this period, fellows will:
- Participate in mandatory virtual onboarding sessions before AIDS 2026
- Develop and implement a pre-conference digital prevention project
- Attend AIDS 2026 in person in Rio de Janeiro
- Create real-time digital content during the conference
- Engage with scientists, policymakers, activists, and community leaders
- Take part in structured networking and professional development activities
Through these stages, fellows’ skills are refined, professional visibility is increased, and long-term collaboration opportunities are established.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
To ensure the fellowship achieves its intended impact, a clear set of eligibility requirements has been established. Applicants must demonstrate both technical knowledge of HIV prevention and the ability to communicate effectively with broad audiences.
Essential requirements include:
- A proven track record of work advancing HIV prevention knowledge or access, such as PrEP, PEP, U=U, harm reduction, long-acting prevention, or prevention policy
- Demonstrated experience in digital or media content creation focused on HIV prevention
- A minimum digital reach of 5,000 total followers or subscribers across platforms, or alternative evidence of consistent engagement and community reach
- Strong commitment to ethical, evidence-based, non-stigmatizing, and rights-based communication
- Proficiency in English, as conference engagement and reporting are conducted in English
- Availability to participate fully in pre-event onboarding and all conference dates
- Aged 18 years or older at the time of application
In addition, priority consideration is given to applicants who:
- Represent or work closely with key and priority populations affected by HIV
- Are based in low- or middle-income countries or produce content for underserved audiences
- Have experience collaborating with community-led organizations, clinics, or advocacy coalitions
Through these criteria, applicants most capable of amplifying prevention messaging where it is needed most are identified.
Fellowship Benefits and Financial Support
The IAS AIDS 2026 Prevention Ambassador Fellowship provides comprehensive support, ensuring that financial barriers do not limit participation. Fellows are supported both logistically and professionally throughout the program.
Key benefits include:
- Full support to attend AIDS 2026 in person, including international travel
- Accommodation and daily per diem during the conference
- Coverage of visa and local transportation costs, where applicable
- Up to USD 500 in funding for a pre-conference digital prevention project
- Up to USD 500 in funding for digital content created during AIDS 2026
- Direct access to global HIV prevention leaders, researchers, and advocates
- Structured networking and professional development opportunities
Because of this comprehensive package, fellows are able to focus on meaningful engagement, content creation, and professional growth.
Application Requirements and Submission Process
Interested candidates are required to complete and submit a detailed application form before 15 February 2026 at 23:00 CET. As part of the application, the following information and documents must be provided:
- Personal and demographic information
- Summary of work history and HIV prevention experience
- A motivation statement outlining interest in the fellowship
- Descriptions of two proposed digital prevention projects (pre-conference and during AIDS 2026)
- Sample digital content demonstrating approach and messaging style
- Curriculum Vitae, including links to recent HIV prevention-related content
- Evidence of digital reach and engagement metrics
- Letter of organizational support (if employed) or letter of reference (if self-employed)
All applications are treated confidentially, and only shortlisted candidates are contacted following the review process.
Why Participate in AIDS 2026 as a Prevention Ambassador?
AIDS 2026 represents one of the most influential global platforms for HIV science, policy, and community engagement. By participating as a Prevention Ambassador, fellows are positioned at the intersection of research, advocacy, and communication.
Through this role, prevention narratives are shaped in real time, emerging evidence is contextualized for communities, and policy discussions are amplified beyond conference halls. Moreover, the fellowship strengthens fellows’ credibility, expands professional networks, and enhances long-term career prospects within public health, advocacy, and development sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the main goal of the IAS AIDS 2026 Prevention Ambassador Fellowship?
The fellowship aims to strengthen HIV prevention communication by supporting skilled professionals to translate scientific and policy developments into accessible digital content.
Is the fellowship fully funded?
Yes. Travel, accommodation, per diem, visa costs, and project funding are fully covered for selected fellows.
Do I need to attend AIDS 2026 in person?
Yes. Selected fellows are expected to attend the full conference in person and participate in all required activities.
Can applicants without large social media followings apply?
Yes. While a minimum reach is preferred, applicants may qualify through documented community engagement or alternative metrics.
Who is given priority during selection?
Priority is given to applicants from low- and middle-income countries, those working with key populations, and individuals producing content for underserved communities.
When will selected applicants be notified?
Successful candidates will be informed of their selection in March 2026.
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