ANNOUNCEMENT

Temporary Pause of the G.E.R.M. Grant Program for 2025 

The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) regrets to announce that the G.E.R.M. (Grants for Emerging Researchers/Clinicians Mentorship) Program will be on pause for the 2025 cycle. We will not be accepting applications during this time as we work to enhance the program’s long-term impact and sustainability. 

We deeply value the dedication of our applicants and supporters and encourage you to stay tuned for updates on the program’s return in 2026. In the interim, we invite you to explore the iDMentorship365 program, which provides valuable opportunities for career growth and mentorship in infectious diseases medicine. 

Thank you for your understanding and continued commitment to advancing the field of infectious diseases. For questions or additional information, please contact us at GERM@idsociety.org. 

 

Overview

G.E.R.M. Program was developed to provide grants to medical students to support a longitudinal, mentored clinical learning and/or research project for up to a year on infectious diseases-related topics, including HIV, under the mentorship of an IDSA or HIVMA member. This program replaced the IDSA Medical Scholars and HIVMA Medical Students Programs.

The goals of the G.E.R.M. Program are to:

• Increase interest among undergraduate medical students, particularly among populations underrepresented in medicine, in pursuing ID fellowship post-graduate training or a career in HIV medicine by:
  • Providing medical students with a mentor-based program to encourage and facilitate the pursuit of a career in the field of infectious diseases;
  • Increasing the number and diversity of ID and HIV research and clinical learning opportunities available to medical students, including through a diverse range of geographic settings, program sizes and academic foci; and
  • Providing ID and HIV research and clinical learning opportunities and mentorship and support to a diverse population of medical students, with a focus on those currently underrepresented in the field.
• Support medical students in increasing analytical, research and clinical skills that will impact their future career trajectory.

Projects must focus on pediatric or adult infectious diseases, including HIV, and may involve either clinical or research activities. Eligible project categories include basic science, epidemiology/clinical research, medical education, structured clinical experiences and quality improvement/program evaluation. Awardees receive a $4,000 stipend to complete their project.