Social, Behavioral and Implementation Sciences Core

The Social, Behavioral and Implementation Sciences (SBIS) Core facilitates the investigation of social, psychological, and structural factors affecting the HIV epidemic by providing a broad spectrum of social and behavioral science research services; mentoring junior investigators and investigators new to HIV research; and creating and strengthening research partnerships through networking tools and events. The Core is led by the Director, Dr. Vivian Go, Associate Director, Dr. Suzanne Maman, and Asst. Director Dr. Felicia Brown. The Core utilizes a unique staffing structure that incorporates the diverse areas of expertise of Dr. Stuart Rennie (HIV biomedical ethics), Dr. Seth Noar (health communication), Steve Bradley-Bull (Motivational Interviewing) and Eunice Okumu (Core Manager and mixed methods research). The Core provides low-cost, easily accessible services to researchers at UNC and partner institutions including, but not limited to, support for: design of research proposals and protocols; development of conceptual models; development, implementation, and evaluation of theory-based interventions; and qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis. The Core also provides training in data collection methods, including semistructured, in-depth, and cognitive interviewing, focus group moderation, survey administration, and motivational interviewing. Through its biannual networking events, mentoring consultations, and networking directory, the Core brings social scientists across disciplines together to work with biomedical researchers to conduct collaborative, synergistic HIV prevention, treatment, and cure research. The Core will continue to work with partners at RTI and at other NC-based institutions of higher learning, other CFARs, and other UNC CFAR cores to strengthen and advance innovative social, behavioral and implementation HIV research. The work of the Core will be guided by consultation with the Core Directors, Core expert consultants, surveys of the CFAR membership, an Internal Advisory Board, an External Advisory Board, and through discussions at CFAR retreats.