Ilia State University, in partnership with Yale University and with funding from the Fogarty International Center at the U.S. National Institutes of Health, is implementing the project “Introducing Biostatistics Teaching into Applied Science Fogarty Training Program (GIFT)”.

This graduate-level training initiative aims to build the next generation of biostatistics and strengthen the application of scientific methods and data analysis to tackle pressing public health issues in the region — particularly those related to HIV and opioid use disorders.

The GIFT project is designed to develop a core group of early-career scientists who will contribute to advancing implementation science in the field of HIV/AIDS. Through a hybrid training model between Yale University and Ilia State University, the program supports doctoral training and faculty development, while also funding research projects focused on biostatistics and implementation methods.

As part of the project, three GIFT doctoral scholars from Ilia State University are currently spending the Spring 2025 semester at Yale University. During this time, they are engaging in coursework, research mentorship, and academic exchange with the global health community.

During Global Health Day, held at Yale University, Dr. Peter Kilmarx, Deputy Director of the Fogarty International Center at the U.S. National Institutes of Health, met with emerging scholars, including GIFT fellow Tamari Mgebrishvili. She presented her doctoral research project which focuses on improving the delivery of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to key populations in Georgia. Dr. Kilmarx offered valuable insights into research funding strategies and provided mentorship on building impactful careers in global health.

Project Coordinator: Yale University

Funding Agency Fogarty International Center/NIH/DHHS