Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia Call for Applications: “Infectious Diseases and Public Health Field School 2026”

The Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia (UPCH) is inviting applications for the “Infectious Diseases and Public Health Field School 2026“, an intensive 10-day program in the Peruvian Amazon and Lima, organized by the UPCH–YALE Teodoro E. Gildred Laboratories in collaboration with the University of Antwerp. 

The program immerses participants in the Amazonian environment and local communities, showing that science is not only studied in the lab, it is walked, observed, and lived. Graduates leave with knowledge, skills, and a firsthand understanding of how research informs policy and connects global health with local realities.

Date: July 13 to 22, 2026 (10 days)

Place: Lima and Iquitos, Peru

Objectives:

• Train participants in field and laboratory research techniques on infectious diseases in Amazonian communities.
• Analyze social, cultural, and environmental factors affecting disease transmission.
• Gain hands-on experience in community engagement and applying research to public health practice.

Program components:

• Lectures:
  • Classroom sessions led by experts in infectious diseases.
  • Topics: epidemiology, disease vectors, preventive measures.
• Laboratory workshops:
  • Hands-on experience in small groups in fully equipped laboratories.
  • Techniques for handling and processing biological samples, conducting assays, and interpreting results (data analysis).
• Field work:
  • Collaboration with community workers and researchers.
  • Data collection, observation of healthcare practices

Target audience:

• Undergraduate and graduate students, as well as professionals and researchers passionate about infectious diseases and public health.
• Ideal for those seeking a hands-on, immersive learning experience in the Amazon, focused on tropical diseases and global health challenges in resource-limited settings.
• Participants gain practical skills in field research, laboratory work, and community engagement, while exploring the real-world impact of public health interventions

Program Fee:

• Basic fee of $1200.00 USD;
  • Includes: Transportation in Iquitos (city and field work). Ticket fee: Amazon Rescue Center.
  • Does not include – Flight tickets (national /international). Housing and meals in Iquitos and Lima. Transportation in Lima.
• Upgrade fee of $2500.00 USD;
  • Includes: Same as Basic fee, and Round-trip flight tickets between Lima and Iquitos. Housing and meals in Iquitos.
  • Does not include – International flight tickets; meals, housing and transportation in Lima.

Read more here.

Application deadline, 22nd of June 2026.