2026 HIV Proposal Bootcamp

Submit a concept paper

HIV Proposal Bootcamp is a full-day in-person event designed to support emerging HIV researchers in developing competitive grant proposals. Participants are matched with established investigators with expertise in HIV research. During the event, attendees receive rapid, expert feedback through a series of 30-minute, face-to-face "lightning round" consultations. These sessions provide insights to refine proposals and enhance grant competitiveness.

The 2026 HIV Proposal Bootcamp will take place in person on March 30 in St. Louis. Accepted proposal teams will have the opportunity to network during meals and consult with HIV research experts.

Who can participate?

The event is open to WashU, SLU, HSSU, or Mizzou researchers and/or research teams with a principal investigator from WashU or SLU. Each principal investigator may bring along up to three team members.

We welcome plans for a range of proposals - from NIH mechanisms (R01, R03, R21, R34, K01, K08, K99) to foundation funding.

2026 KEY DATES

Submission deadline: February 25

Notification of acceptance: March 2

Bootcamp: March 30

This year’s consultants

Experts include members of the Midwest D-CFAR External Advisory Committee:

  • David Haas (Associate Professor of Medicine and Director, AIDS Clinical Trials Center, Vanderbilt University)

  • Manya Magnus (Professor and the Chair of the Department of Epidemiology, George Washington University)

  • Marina Caskey (Associate Director, Einstein-Rockefeller-CUNY CFAR)

  • Gregorio Millet (Vice President and Director, Public Policy, AmfAR)

And more!

This event is sponsored by the Midwest Developmental Center for AIDS Research.

Email dev@midwestdcfar.org with any questions!