Developmental Core

PROJECT SUMMARY The goal of the Developmental Core is to develop the next generation of HIV researchers in Washington, DC in support of the DC CFAR mission to end the HIV epidemic and to improve the health and quality of life in persons with HIV in DC and beyond. The Core is led by a multi-institutional team of senior HIV investigators: Drs. Michael Bukrinsky (George Washington University), Anthony Wutoh (Howard University), Kim Blankenship (American University), Mark Burke (Howard University) and Natella Rakhmanina (Children’s National Hospital). This leadership team covers the spectrum of DC CFAR research from basic to clinical to social and behavioral science, with focused expertise in virology, immunology, pharmacology, physiology, adolescent medicine and sociology. Since 2015, the Developmental Core has reviewed 147 research award applications and funded 69 for $3.2M. Completed traditional pilot awards projects for $3.0M granted from 2010-2020 have resulted in $29.3M in new NIH grants, representing an 881% return on investment, and $31.2M or 944% including supplements. The Specific Aims of the Core are to: 1) lead an array of pilot award programs for early stage, new and transitioning HIV investigators in Washington, DC; 2) implement dynamic mentoring and training programs that support the career progression of HIV investigators; and 3) provide educational and networking activities that promote multidisciplinary and multi-institutional collaboration in HIV research. Pilot award programs include traditional pilot awards for early stage and new investigators, transitioning investigator awards for NIH-funded researchers in other areas to pivot to HIV research, academic-community partnership awards, rapid response award for emerging infectious diseases, and microgrants. The Core also provides mentoring, educational, and training programs that complement the awards programs by providing comprehensive support to DC-based HIV researchers. These include grant writing workshops, mentoring workshops, specific aims reviews, journal club webinars, networking opportunities, research in progress seminars and the No Investigator Left Behind Program to support investigators on their pilot awards resubmissions.