Request for Applicants
Knowledge of AIDS – Scholarly Networking Project on Social Studies of HIV/AIDS in North America
Overview: We invite scholars and researchers to submit proposals to join our scholarly networking project focused on the social studies of HIV/AIDS with a particular emphasis on the field of Science and Technology Studies (STS) in its broadest sense. We are seeking US and international participants who consider the archive, expertise and civic participation grounded in North America and/or its global relations. This National Science Foundation (NSF #2240822; #2240637; #2240673) funded interdisciplinary project aims to bring together scholars who are engaged in research that reflects on the social, biomedical and political history of HIV/AIDS, fostering collaboration, and building a comprehensive understanding of this area of study. We invite individuals across the social sciences and humanities at all academic career stages (e.g., PhD student to full professor) as well as independent scholars or people working as researchers in non-university environments. In addition to applications from the humanities and social sciences, we encourage submissions from scholars working on aesthetic, artistic, creative, or design-oriented approaches to HIV/AIDS and its histories.
Year 3: Participation and AIDS (2026-2027). In the third and final year, the project will focus on 'Participation and AIDS.' We seek submissions that examine the role of individuals, communities, and organizations in the HIV/AIDS discourse, policy, and activism. What forms of participation have been most influential, and how have they evolved over time? In Person Workshop: San Diego LGBT Center, San Diego CA, March 24-26 2026
Submission Guidelines:
Interested participants should submit a 300-word description of their research that aligns with one or more of the project themes, and a current CV using the Knowledge of AIDS - Research Collaboration Network Application form.
We are particularly looking for scholars that are interested in generating a synthetic understanding across the three themes, and the four decades of the epidemic. Research descriptions should clearly articulate your research interests, the methods and/or theories you use in your work, and relevance to the project's overarching goal of building a durable scholarly community around social studies of HIV/AIDS. We are especially seeking scholars and community practitioners who are involved in the archive, expertise and civic participation within North America and/or its global impacts.
Timeline:
Submission Deadline: December 15th (we will continue to accept applications for later years)
Notification of Acceptance: January 15th
Note that you need a Google account to fill out the application form; if you do not have a Google account and would like to apply, please contact the organizing team at knowledgeofaids@gmail.com.
Contact Information: For inquiries or additional information, please contact the organizing team at knowledgeofaids@gmail.com.
Project Organizers:
David Ribes and Marika Cifor, University of Washington
Stephen Molldrem, University of Texas Medical Branch
Andrew Spieldenner, California State University-San Marcos