Global Health Core

The UNC CFAR Global Health Core facilitates clinical, epidemiological, behavioral, and health services research between our North Carolina-based members and global investigators at the center of the epidemic. We connect UNC and RTI scientists to critical research populations and connect in-country scientists to collaborations and training opportunities in North Carolina. The Core provides critical administrative and logistical support services to CFAR members working at global sites, with particular attention to early stage investigators and faculty who are newly expanding their work into a global setting. Among the most important of the services provided by Core I is the management of IRB relationships, which is centralized through a dedicated regulatory affairs unit. This critical unit manages all aspects of research ethics and regulatory submissions for all HIV research activities at UNC. Our CFAR has multiple NIH training grants with major HIV/AIDS components. In the coming funding cycle, we will redouble our efforts to enhance the collective impact of these programs through regular convening of their leadership, sharing key resources, and coordinating trainee placement. Other key functions of our core include ensuring that our CFAR’s global HIV/AIDS research is in line with NIH and local priorities. The Core leadership will also ensure engagement of in-country investigators to support dissemination of key findings to investigators and thought leaders at global sites, and facilitate exchange of research capacity. Finally, Core I will continue to promote external collaboration through active participation in ongoing intra-CFAR activities and through linking our membership with other NIH-sponsored networks, such as ACTG, MTN, IMPAACT, HPTN, and HVTN.