Center for AIDS Research at Emory University Administrative (Revision) Core

ABSTRACT/PROJECT SUMMARY The Administrative (Admin) Core (Core A) is the coordinating hub of the Emory CFAR with responsibility for scientific leadership, effective stewardship of resources, investment in innovative HIV research initiatives, and support for Early-Stage faculty development. Five Science Cores and two Scientific Working Groups are collaboratively managed by Carlos del Rio, contact PI and Co-Director for Clinical Science, Colleen Kelley, MPI and Co-Director for Prevention Science, and Ann Chahroudi, MPI and Co-Director for Basic Science. This application will expand the Admin Core to include two pathway programs: Emory CFAR RYSE to Research (for undergraduate students) and RYSE High (for high school students). The expansion is a natural extension of the CFAR's emphasis on community engagement and health equity across programs and initiatives, and our overarching goal to support the advancement of those historically underrepresented in the field. RYSE to Research will prepare rising junior and senior undergraduates for a career in HIV research through a 10-week in-person summer residential session and a nine-month longitudinal virtual component. RYSE High will recruit students from metro Atlanta high schools, including from the four Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) designated counties. Both programs will include mentoring from Emory and Atlanta University Center Consortium faculty who will provide research and career development in the context of HIV research experiences. RYSE to Research undergraduates will be matched with three mentors (research, identity and near-peer) and RYSE High students will be matched with near-peer mentors. The CFAR Co-Directors will continue to provide scientific leadership, effective stewardship of resources, and extensive administrative support to ensure the success of the Emory CFAR RYSE to Research and RYSE High Pathway Programs and the seamless integration into the following aims: Aim 1. Provide scientific leadership and coordinate activities that support CFAR Members as they advance groundbreaking HIV research across the entire scientific spectrum of NIH-defined priority research areas to end the epidemic for all and to promote health equity. Aim 2. Allocate resources effectively and judiciously to support six Cores and two Scientific Working Groups, providing cutting-edge tools and services to elevate multidisciplinary and translational HIV research. Aim 3. Develop the next generation of outstanding and diverse HIV investigators through innovative developmental grant programs, leadership development and mentoring, and promotion of inclusion and diversity in all aspects of the Emory CFAR. Aim 4. Utilize intentional communication and dissemination strategies to promote multidirectional stakeholder engagement between HIV researchers and the communities we seek to serve.