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Raising Advancement and Parity for Infectious Disease Researchers

​​​​​​​​Enhancing the Success of Early Career Infectious Disease Researchers

RAPID program logoUC San Diego Raising Advancement and Parity for Infectious Disease Researchers (RAPID) program is sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). 

The goal of the program is to provide strong mentorship, professional development, and research training to improve the long-term success of early career faculty and postdoctoral scholars transitioning into a faculty position in infectious diseases and immunology​. 

Participants will choose one of three research tracks to be mentored and trained: 
  1. Host-pathogen interactions​
  2. Virology research
  3. Global health & neglected infectious diseases

RAPID 2026 Summer Institute review infographic on a navy background showing three participant satisfaction metrics: 100% rated the program good or excellent, 100% found the grant writing course valuable and skill-building, and 100% would recommend RAPID. Includes a positive participant quote.

Participation in the RAPID Program requires a one-year commitment in program participation with the following tentative timeline:

  • Active participation in the Grant Writing Course: The course will tentatively start remotely in June 2027, prior to the Summer Institute I, with weekly assignments due in June-July 2027
  • Attendance at the Summer Institute I held on July 25-30, 2027 (in-person in La Jolla, CA or online --modality TBD)
  • Attendance at the Mid-year Meeting in January 2028 (online)
  • Attendance at the Summer Institute II in July 2028 (in-person in La Jolla, CA or online --modality TBD)
*Please note that program structure, modality, and timeline are subject to change. The program will be held either in-person or online; no hybrid option will be provided. All travel expenses will be paid by the program. 

 

RAPID is supported by NIH/NIAID R25 AI147376 UC San Diego Chancellor and Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences.

Non-discrimination Statement
In accordance with applicable Federal and State law and University policy, the University of California does not discriminate, or grant preferences, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and/or other protected categories.

More information about Proposition 209 can be found here.

More information about the University of California Anti-Discrimination Policy can be found here.

Interested in the RAPID program?

Submit an interest form to be added to our contact list.

RAPID INTEREST FORM