The BHIVA/Gilead International Exchange Fellowships are awards that foster links between BHIVA and institutions in low- or middle-income countries (LMIC). Funding has been traditionally directed at enabling reciprocal travel for UK and LMIC applicants. In the short-term, the COVID-19 pandemic has limited such plans. Therefore, this year’s International Exchange Fellowships will necessarily be socially distanced. Rather than an obstacle to collaboration, BHIVA propose that remote exchanges represent an opportunity to develop long-term virtual partnerships. As before, it is the hope that new links or collaborations between institutions in the UK and in LMICs will lead to ongoing supportive links focused on training and education. Two fellowships are available up to a maximum of £3500 per award.

Applicants should have identified a partner institution outside of the UK in a LMIC and should propose a programme that supports an identified training or education need. Good justification must be provided to the suitability of the partnership, what can be offered by the host (UK) and exchange (overseas) organisations to match the proposal, and why a link to that institution would be of value to BHIVA.

These awards are not limited to doctors but host applicants must be BHIVA members and paid up for the 2021 membership year. It is expected that successful overseas exchange partners will become BHIVA international members. Doctors and other professionals in training must have a nominated senior (consultant) supervisor.

Given the virtual nature of the fellowships this year, funding should be aimed at local expenditures and technology support, for example virtual conference or webinar production costs. There is no limit to the number of people who may participate but costs must not exceed £3500. BHIVA can provide some assistance identifying partners for technical support in advance of application submission.

It is expected that the project would be aligned with either one of the BHIVA spring or autumn conferences so that delegates may attend the conference virtually. One international delegate per award may have their conference registration costs met by BHIVA (above and beyond the maximum award amount).