Infectious Diseases and
Public Health Field School
| Application deadline | Dates |
|---|---|
June 22, 2026 | July 13 to 22, 2026
(10 days) |
Overview
The Infectious Diseases and Public Health Field School is 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. Each year, participants from around the world come together to explore infectious diseases and their impact on public health.
Through hands-on field research, laboratory work, and community engagement, participants learn from expert researchers and local health professionals. They gain practical experience in data collection, sample analysis, disease surveillance, and translating research into public health action.
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.
Objetive
• 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.
Co-Organizer
Components
| Lectures | Laboratory workshops | Field work |
|---|---|---|
Classroom sessions led by experts in infectious diseases. | Hands-on experience in small groups in fully equipped laboratories. | Collaboration with community workers and researchers. |
Certification and Academic Credits
- All participants who successfully complete the Field School will receive an official Certificate of Attendance issued by UPCH – YALE The Teodoro E. Gildred Laboratories.
- Participants who wish to obtain academic credits may additionally request an optional Academic Credit Certificate by completing the evaluation activities
described in the Field School syllabus. Additional fees apply. Please refer to the Program Fees section for more information.
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.
Requirements
Authorization Letter: An official letter from the participant’s institution or direct supervisor confirming their approval and participation in the program.
Age Requirement: Participants must be 18 years or older at the time of the program.
Insurance Documentation: Proof of travel and health insurance that covers the participant’s stay in Peru.
Vaccination: Proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever.
Payment Confirmation: A copy of the payment receipt for the program fee.
Program FEE
| BASIC FEE: 1200.00 USD | UPGRADE FEE: 2500.00 USD | ACADEMIC CREDIT CERTIFICATE (OPTIONAL) – 46.00 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. | 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. | Optional academic certificate issued by the Facultad de Ciencias e Ingeniería of Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia (UPCH), granting: • 3 Peruvian academic credits |
Teaching Staff
• PhD. Dionicia Gamboa Vilela
• M.D. Joseph Vinetz
• PhD. Christopher Delgado-Ratto
• PhD. Marta Moreno
• MSc. Jaime Chang
• PhD. Katherine Torres Fajardo
• PhD. Francesca Falconi
• Dr. Juan Carlos Celis
• PhD. Luis Cabrera
• PhD(c). Susan Paredes Fernández
• MSc. Pamela Rodríguez
• Lic. Freddy Alava
• PhD. César Ramal
• MSc. Carlos Tong
• Lic. Carlos Acosta
• Lab. Tech. Daniel Sánchez
