2026 Practitioner-Oriented Implementation Science Education (POISE) Training

The HIV Implementation Science Coordination Initiative (ISCI) within Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine is now accepting applications for the Practitioner-Oriented Implementation Science Education (POISE) training program. Read below to learn more about the training and how to apply. The application deadline has been extended until January 11, 2026.

Program Description

The goal of the POISE training program, which is designed for HIV public health and service providers (e.g., people who provide direct HIV services, engage in HIV program planning, work in health department HIV programs, and/or fund HIV-related services), is to offer training on implementation science and innovative tools that can be applied to real-world practice. The training includes basic implementation science concepts, identifying implementation barriers and facilitators and implementation strategies to address them, and identifying measurable implementation outcomes. The multimodal, practice-based, five-month hybrid training is composed of a series of presentations on implementation science (didactic) sessions, an in-person meeting, self-study components, real-world case study, peer-to-peer learning, and interactive online discussions. There will also be an opportunity to connect with researchers participating in ISCI’s Visiting Scholars in HIV Implementation Science Program.

The time required to complete the entire training program is estimated to be 1.75 days for an in-person meeting, plus an additional 45 to 50 hours over the course of a five-month period to complete pre-readings, learning activities, and a final virtual meeting. Travel costs and lodging for the in-person meeting will be covered by ISCI. A total of 12 applicants will be selected for the 2026 training cohort (see the application process below for additional details).

The training program will: 1) increase understanding of how to apply implementation science tools for planning and writing requests for proposals; 2) provide templates to operationalize program development and implementation throughout an organization; and 3) offer science-based strategies to develop and improve HIV-related services. By the end of the training program, participants will have developed an initial implementation plan for a locally relevant HIV-related program and will receive a Certificate of Completion of the POISE Training.

Selected participants are expected to:

    • Fully attend and participate in all training program components and activities during the 2026 program period (see required dates below)
    • Work at an organization that provides HIV services
    • Identify a project relevant to their organization to apply implementation science concepts and develop an implementation plan as part of the program
    • Have institutional support to devote time and effort to the program
    • Be located in an Ending the HIV Epidemic in the US priority jurisdiction

2026 Program Components

Program period: February 1 – June 30, 2026

    • Virtual kickoff meeting (February 12, 2026)
    • Initial virtual didactic session (February 24, 2026)
    • In-person training session in Chicago (March 9 – 10, 2026)
    • Virtual learning labs (April 16, May 7, and May 28, 2026)
    • Final full-day virtual meeting (June 25, 2026)
    • Optional attendance to final virtual Visiting Scholars in HIV Implementation Science program meeting (date TBD)
    • Training activities and assignments (throughout the training program)

Application Process

The required components of the online application include:

    • Basic demographic information and information about your organization
    • In 250 words or less, describe why you are interested in learning more about implementation science.
    • In 500 words or less, describe: 1) the HIV-related evidence-based intervention, practice, or program at your organization that you plan on implementing as part of the training exercises to identify barriers/facilitators, implementation strategies and outcomes. 2) who will be implementing the intervention – your organization or your organization in collaboration with others (e.g., network or group of other organizations).
    • In 250 words or less, describe how you will receive support from your organization to complete the training and implement the intervention, practice or program.
    • Curriculum vitae (CV) or resume

Applications will be open from November 12, 2025 – January 11, 2026. Applicant notifications will begin the week of January 19, 2026. Applicant selection will be made to ensure the 2026 training cohort includes a wide range of backgrounds based on geography, type of organization, and HIV services offered by the applicant’s organization. Travel arrangements for in-person travel will begin the week of January 26, 2026.

Apply for the 2026 POISE Training

Questions?

Please direct any questions to isci@northwestern.edu with “POISE Training” in the subject line. You can also sign up for our biweekly Interchange newsletter to be notified of any updates to the POISE training program and application cycle.