Core B: Developmental

Modified Project Summary/Abstract Section The RUSTBELT CFAR Developmental Core B will promote innovative investigator-initiated HIV/AIDS-related clinical, translational, and basic science research activities. This Core acts as the central hub for all mentoring and training programs within the CFAR, providing vital financial resources to support junior and new HIV investigators in demonstrating the feasibility and potential of new research directions. Additionally, the Core offers early investigators access to seasoned HIV mentors. Core B will be co-led by two distinguished educators: Dr. Alan D. Levine, Ph.D., who joined the CWRU faculty in August 1995 and is a Professor of Molecular Biology and Microbiology as well as Graduate Program Director for the Molecular Virology program; and Dr. Nicolas Sluis-Cremer, Ph.D., who joined the University of Pittsburgh faculty in 2001 and serves as Associate Chief of Research and Outreach in the Division of Infectious Diseases and is a Professor of Medicine. Importantly, the leadership structure will leverage the collaboration between institutions to provide inter-institutional mentoring, enhance objectivity through internal reviews from both institutions, and strengthen mentoring activities by offering dual mentorship. The main goals of Core B include reviewing and awarding Developmental (NIH), Catalytic (Institutional) Research Pilot Grants, Core Awards, and developing and implementing innovative CFAR mentoring tools for junior faculty. The specific aims are to: (1) conduct targeted Mentored Scientist Pilot Grant and Catalytic Fund programs that promote the growth of junior faculty; (2) identify, mentor, and support the emerging generation of HIV investigators; and (3) train and assist HIV/AIDS researchers in conducting responsible, rigorous, and reproducible research conducted ethically.