Developmental Core

PROJECT SUMMARY – Developmental Core The HIV pandemic remains a critical public health issue that requires forward thinking and new strategies to address old and new challenges in HIV/AIDS research. This multitude of unsolved challenges makes it even more critical to train and support a pathway for new and early-stage investigators (ESI) of HIV/AIDS. Leveraging transdisciplinary research partnerships and building on 19 years of success, the Duke Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) Developmental Core proposes novel and innovative engagement, training, and recruitment strategies to develop and expand a new generation of investigators prepared to address existing and emerging challenges. The goals of the Developmental Core are to stimulate new HIV/AIDS research programs targeting the most relevant issues facing people vulnerable to or living with HIV, leverage expertise from CFAR Cores and other Duke resources to train and holistically support the next generation of HIV/AIDS researchers to address local, regional, and national HIV/AIDS research priorities. To accomplish these goals, the Core proposes the following three areas of activities: direct financial support for pilot research projects (Aim 1), development of professional networks through structured mentoring and career development of HIV/AIDS researchers (Aim 3), and, in conjunction with other Duke Departments, Centers, and Institutes, recruitment of promising new HIV/AIDS researchers to the Duke faculty (Aim 2). The Core will support the overall CFAR mission and engage the objectives of the NIH Office of AIDS Research 2021-25 Strategic Plan by supporting: (i) novel research in biomedical and behavioral studies relevant to HIV prevention, care, and treatment; (ii) research workforce capacity by training next generation scientific leaders in HIV/AIDS through mentoring, education, funding support, and career development; and (iii) community engagement to ensure HIV/AIDS research also aligns with community health priorities. Collectively, this forward-thinking approach will enhance and expand the pool of HIV/AIDS researchers at Duke and advance cutting-edge research to reduce the burden of HIV in the United States and globally.