IntraHealth International is pleased to announce the Raluca Iosif Intimate Partner Violence Research Award in partnership with the University of North Carolina (UNC) Gillings School of Global Public Health and the UNC Injury Prevention Research Center. The graduate-level research award will advance understanding of the global problem of intimate partner violence.

The award is made possible by the Raluca Iosif Memorial Fund established by IntraHealth to honor the legacy of our colleague, Raluca Iosif, whose life was cut short by violence one year ago in Durham, North Carolina. A dedicated member of IntraHealth’s staff, Raluca led initiatives that expanded IntraHealth’s work and global impact. Her sharp wit, bright spirit, and devotion to making health care available to more people in need were inspirational to our staff and partners around the world. 

Rigorous evidence on intimate partner violence is needed for effective advocacy and prevention. Currently, different definitions and classifications used for conceptualizing fatal intimate partner violence complicate the collection of information from various sources, resulting in documentation that is not comparable or actionable across communities, regions, and countries.

Initially, recipients of the award will add to the body of knowledge on the nature and extent of fatal intimate partner violence. Research projects will contribute to a stronger evidence base to inform standardized measurement of intimate partner violence and guidelines to strengthen the capacity of police, forensic, and health care personnel to assess, prevent, and respond effectively.  

Eligible candidates will be master’s or doctoral students engaged in thesis or dissertation research focused on intimate partner violence at UNC Gillings. The annual selection process for this award will be overseen by an advisory committee composed of UNC faculty. Student awardees will be mentored by IntraHealth and UNC technical leaders.

The fund was established to ensure Raluca’s deep commitment to global health—and to ending injustice, inequity, and violence against women—lives on. Contributions to the Raluca Iosif Memorial Fund can be made here. For more information about how to apply for the research award please contact Naya Villarreal at nayavill@email.unc.edu.

On October 11, IntraHealth will hold an event at the North Carolina Botanical Garden, Reeves Auditorium, to launch the award. The program will include speakers from IntraHealth, UNC, and the Chapel Hill Police Department. More information about the event is available here.