YING - EACS Young Investigators

Connecting the next generation of HIV Experts accross Europe

The EACS Young Investigators Network (YING) is an educational initiative dedicated to supporting early-career clinicians and scientists who are committed to advancing outcomes for people living with HIV.

YING was created to provide a platform for emerging professionals to connect, collaborate, and exchange ideas. Organised by peers for peers, it brings a fresh perspective and innovative approach to HIV research and care across Europe. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, YING helps early-career investigators build meaningful relationships, share knowledge, and develop new networks that strengthen the HIV research community.

Through interactive sessions, networking opportunities, and collaborative projects, YING encourages members to learn from one another and gain insights that can shape the future of HIV treatment and prevention. The initiative aims to create a dynamic environment where early-career experts can contribute their ideas, challenge existing paradigms, and work together to drive progress.

Ultimately, YING is about building bridges and connecting emerging HIV specialists across Europe and empowering them to make a lasting impact on the lives of people living with HIV.

Current activities:

YING Conference: The European Young Investigators (YING) Conference is an educational event held every two years. It brings together early-career clinicians and researchers working in the field of HIV across the WHO European Region.

Organised by a scientific committee of peers, the conference combines plenary sessions, interactive workshops, and opportunities for discussion and exchange. Its purpose is to encourage collaboration, share knowledge, and strengthen professional networks among those at the beginning of their careers in HIV research and care.

The next YING Conference will take place on 5-6 June 2026, in Valencia, Spain.

Learn more.

YING Educational Session (formerly Pre-educational course): The YING Educational Session (formerly the Pre-educational Course) is a one-day meeting held immediately before the biennial European AIDS Conference. The programme is designed and organised by YING – EACS Young Investigators and focuses on delivering practical skills and advice.

The session consists of presentations centred on specific topics. Each topic begins with an overview delivered by a senior presenter, followed by an early-career presenter who shares a related case study. To prepare, junior and senior presenters collaborate in advance, creating an opportunity for exchange and mentorship that supports career development for young investigators.

This format offers an excellent platform for early-career professionals to learn and grow. The event typically attracts around 200 participants.

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EACS Live! Journal Club by YING: The EACS Live! Journal Club is a regular online meeting/discussion on a recent topical paper together with YINGers and interested participants. The aim of the Journal Club is to have an open discussion with experts on the chosen papers/topics, and act as an educational opportunity for the YING network.

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Aware.HIV Ukraine: In March 2022, the HIV Aware Ukraine project was launched, led by Dr Marta Vasylyev (Ukraine) and Dr Casper Rokx (Netherlands) and in collaboration with the EACS Young Investigators (YING).

This initiative was introduced in response to the war in Ukraine, to help doctors in Ukraine and people living with HIV that are affected by the crisis.

Since the start of the initiative, they have achieved to provide antiretroviral therapy to ensure that people living with HIV receive uninterrupted treatment as well as offer support for local HIV Care providers.

The project is still ongoing and welcomes any assistance.

Click here for more information and to show your support.