For over a decade, the HIV Intervention Science Training Program for Underrepresented New Investigators (HISTP) has strengthened universities, diversified HIV research, and elevated scholars of color across the country. HISTP has several creative ways to germinate tech ideas -- hackathons, pitch sessions, gamification, design challenges -- and wants you to achieve your research goals using innovative new strategies.
Benefits
Collaboration
Among peers, engineers, technologists, and researchers
“HISTP is an exceptional program for a variety of reasons. Relationship-building among our peers was key: I’m still in contact with everyone accepted in program. We have published together, seen one another at conferences, and talked about challenges as people of color in academic settings. I can’t say enough about how valuable it was to speak to those at different stages of the tenure process.”

Mentorship
From esteemed researchers and scientists
“As an HISTP Scholar, I was able to receive guidance on my academic career – research, teaching, and developing a national reputation in the HIV field. I also benefited from opportunities to hear from experts in the field on grant writing skills, funding opportunities, and navigating academia as an ethnic minority female. An added bonus is that the mentor-mentee relationships and friendships formed throughout the program continue.”

Training
From research best practices to technology disruption
“HISTP provides fellows with formal training on HIV prevention intervention development; career mentorship; peer to peer support; grant writing mentorship and more. I feel like I gained a great deal of knowledge that I can apply in making my career and research successful. HISTP fellows are like a family to me and I also feel like my mentors will always be there to support us and showcase our work.”

Recent News
HISTP Scholar Dr. Ahonkhai Discusses Racial Disparities and COVID-19 on PBS
Dr. Aimalohi A. Ahonkhai discusses racial disparities, COVID-19, and what can be learned from her HIV research for equitable COVID-19 vaccine distribution.
Two new publications from HISTP scholars Dr. Conserve and Dr. DelaCruz
Two HISTP scholars, Dr. Conserve and Dr. DelaCruz, just published new research: One publication on COVID self testing and another on aging with HIV.
Two new HISTP scholars join the program
HISTP welcomes two new faculty to the program.

HISTP’s true grant review made a big difference in writing a fundable grant. Also, as a junior faculty member, developing productive mentorship relationships can be difficult, particularly as a Black female. I was fortunate that HISTP was available to provide valuable resources to help me navigate my new role and benefit from positive interactions with giants in my field.
Dr. Ennis was recently awarded a K23 grant
