Applications are now open for interested researchers to apply for the Dr. Dick Smith Postdoctoral Fellowship in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Epidemiology, Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara, Advanced Education and Training Minister Renée Cable and Research Manitoba announced today.
“This fellowship is a fitting tribute to an individual who committed himself to normalizing HIV health care,” said Asagwara. “In a time of extreme stigma, Dr. Smith provided care and compassion when very few would. This award honours his advocacy and ensures his legacy lives on through supporting the work of our province’s passionate HIV research community.”
The Dr. John Richard (Dick) Middleton Smith Postdoctoral Fellowship in HIV-AIDS research was established by the Manitoba government and Research Manitoba to honour the legacy of Dr. Dick Smith, a pioneer in HIV-AIDS patient treatment and education in Manitoba. The fellowship was first announced on World AIDS Day on Dec. 1, 2023.
The fellowship will focus on communities disproportionately impacted by HIV-AIDS and may include research in areas such as disease transmission dynamics, prevention strategies, treatment interventions, community engagement and health-care disparities.
The successful candidate will be committed to innovative research in HIV epidemiology and conduct research focused on Manitoba data, outcomes and demographics with an emphasis on Manitoba-specific opportunities for improvements related to HIV-AIDS prevention, treatment and education.
“We are proud to support the Manitoba government’s commitment to ensuring the sustainability and growth of health research here in Manitoba,” said Pam Harrison, interim chief executive officer, Research Manitoba. “This award will provide a researcher with the opportunity to contribute their expertise and dedication to furthering our collective understanding and combatting the challenges posed by HIV-AIDS in our communities.”
Applications are open until Feb. 26.
Research Manitoba, a provincial agency, promotes, supports and co-ordinates the funding of research excellence and innovation in health, natural and social sciences, engineering and the humanities in Manitoba.
“Our government is proud to support this research fellowship honouring Dr. Smith’s legacy, while investing in Manitoba based research that can translate into real-world change,” said Cable.
The ministers noted candidates from under-represented communities including BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of colour) communities, are encouraged to apply and an equity lens will be used as part of the selection process.
More information regarding the fellowship is available at: https://researchmanitoba.ca/funding/programs/Dr-Smith-Fellowship.
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Contact:
Freyja Arnason, Director, Strategy and Programs, Research Manitoba
204-942-1948 | Freyja.arnason@researchmb.ca | researchmanitoba.ca
Research Manitoba
Research Manitoba promotes, supports, and coordinates the funding of research excellence and innovation in health, natural and social sciences, engineering, and the humanities in Manitoba. Research Manitoba supports local talent development by providing research support to early career researchers and graduate students, along with fostering strategic partnerships to strengthen research and innovation in Manitoba.