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The Research and Mentorship Program (RAMP) provides structured mentorship and project funding for African American/Black, Hispanic/Latinx, Native American/American Indian/Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, Asian and Pacific Islander medical students. The HVTN, in collaboration with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the National Institutes of Health, is investing in the next generation of HIV prevention researchers with opportunities for independent research along with structured mentoring, project and salary funding, training, and professional development activities.

Each year, the HVTN accepts up to 9 RAMP scholars who meet the following criteria:

  • Self-identify as African American/Black, Hispanic/Latinx, Native American/American Indian/Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, Asian and Pacific Islander
  • Student attending an accredited US medical school conferring MD and DO degrees
  • In good academic standing
  • US citizen or US permanent resident or an individual granted deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) status by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
  • Interested in pursuing a future career in HIV research

RAMP scholars are funded to travel to an HVTN clinical research site to conduct a project under the mentorship of an investigator.

General Program Details

  • Number of Scholarships: 4-9 per year
  • Program Type: Scholar Grant
  • Support From: The HIV Vaccine Trials Network, and The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the National Institutes
     

Eligibility Requirements

  • Ethnicities: African American/Black, Hispanic/Latinx, Native American/American Indian/Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, Asian and Pacific Islander  
  • Residency Status: U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident or an individual granted deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) status by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
  • Academic Classification: Matriculated student at an accredited U.S. medical school conferring MD and DO degrees, in good academic standing

The application period for the 2023-2024 cycle of this program is now CLOSED. Please check back in Fall 2023 for information about next year's application window!

Application Process

Program Track

Grant recipients will work under the mentorship of HVTN-affiliated investigators to conduct research projects in areas of basic, clinical, behavioral, laboratory and social science. Projects will be 8-10 weeks or 9-12 months (onsite portion).

Short-Term: 8-10 Weeks

  • Can be timed with a summer break or fourth year research elective
  • Travel to an HIV Vaccine Clinical Research Site in the US or abroad (if COVID has been controlled)
  • Attend and present at an HVTN Conference
  • Maximum award of $20,000

Long-Term: 9-12 Months

  • Research at an HIV Vaccine Clinical Research Site in the US or abroad (if COVID has been controlled)
  • Can be timed with a planned Master's or doctoral program, or be a distinct, non-degree associated research-focused year
  • Attend two scientific conferences, including presenting at the HVTN conference
  • Maximum award of $70,000

Meet Our Scholars

Since 2011, more than 70 medical students with an interest in HIV research have received Scholar Award grants. Learn more about these exceptional Scholars and their projects through their profiles and a Community Compass article.

RAMP Scholar Profiles Compass Article

For More Information, Please Contact

Linda N. Oseso, M.P.H.

RAMP Program Manager, HIV Vaccine Trials Network

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
1100 Eastlake Ave., E3-300
Seattle, WA 98109-1024