Administrative Core (Core A)

Modified Project Summary/Abstract Section The Administrative (Admin) Core is the central coordinating hub for the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Center for AIDS Research (CFAR). Through effective leadership, an integrated organizational structure, comprehensive financial and management planning, and strategic implementation, the Core propels CFAR investigators to reach their highest scientific potential. The Core fosters an environment and culture to serve the CFAR scientific mission, thereby adding value beyond what can be achieved via research grants to individual investigators. Our structure – including 5 Cores (Administrative, Developmental, Clinical, Advanced Technology, Implementation and Community Sciences) and 2 Scientific Working Groups (SWG, Substance Use, Global Health Reciprocal Innovation) – and strategic planning processes are enveloped by our shared values of fostering representation, access to opportunity, and a culture of belonging and being in authentic partnership with communities most impacted by HIV. Through the development of HIV investigators and cultivation of interdisciplinary research collaborations, the Core plays a critical role in the growth of HIV research at UAB, which currently has funding of $66 million for HIV research in 2022, including $23 million in our NIH HIV funded research base (FRB). Continuous monitoring and assessment conducted by the Administrative Core ensures that the aims of all Cores and SWGs are fully aligned with the strategic objectives and shared values and that services and activities are implemented effectively within defined timelines. During the next funding cycle, the Core will achieve three aims: 1) Provide scientific leadership and governance based on thoughtful strategic planning and ongoing monitoring to add value and proactively identify avenues for continuous growth. 2) Nurture synergies to stimulate inter-disciplinary research and promote multi-disciplinary educational and training opportunities in HIV research; and 3) Foster community outreach and support initiatives by CFAR and community partners to enhance meaningful partnerships and advance HIV research that is top priority for the community These aims will be accomplished through active engagement of a highly effective, coordinated leadership team housed within the Administrative Core.