Scientific Working Groups (SWGs) are critical management tools to foster new, dynamic programs aligned with emerging directions in HIV research. Participation in these groups is open to any interested trainee, researcher, or community partner.
Ending HIV in Alabama SWG
The Ending HIV in Alabama Scientific Working Group strives to eradicate HIV by advancing research and innovation. Membership includes experts in clinical, epidemiologic, socio-behavioral, community, and implementation science. The SWG backs key CFAR projects, such as the Community Grants Program fostering partnerships for innovative HIV-ending approaches and assembling datasets for detailed demographic and geographic insights on people living with HIV in Alabama.
This SWG currently hosts two monthly meetings:
Third Wednesdays at 9am - to showcase ongoing projects and solicit feedback for EHE-focused grants
Fourth Fridays at 1pm - to discuss ongoing projects related to the HIV datasets
Group Leader: Aadia Rana
Contact: Alyssa Carodine
Substance Use SWG
The Substance Use Scientific Working Group aims to elevate substance use populations in HIV research. It develops scientists addressing unmet needs in substance use disorder communities, fostering discovery and collaborations to reduce HIV disparities. SWG sustains partnerships, offers training, and hosts an annual symposium.
The SWG hosts monthly seminars, training, and works-in-progress presentations on the 3rd Thursday of each month.
Group Leaders: Ellen Eaton, Karen Cropsey, and Carie Wimberly (Alabama Prevention Coalition)
Contact: Laken Grissom
Global Health Reciprocal Innovations SWG
The Global Health Reciprocal Innovations SWG aims to facilitate the exchange of innovations between low and middle-income countries (LMICs) and higher-income countries in addressing HIV challenges. Open to UAB and non-UAB individuals, it plans seminars, networking events, and capacity-building activities for program translation, implementation, and evaluation in new settings. SWG leadership provides advice on contractual and regulatory challenges.
Group Leaders: Michael Vinikoor and Janet Turan
Contact: Sydney Grooms
Other CFAR Scientific Working Groups of Interest
Inter-CFAR Collaboration on HIV Research in Women
https://cfar.globalhealth.harvard.edu/research/inter-cfar-collaboration-on-hiv-research-in-women/
Inter-CFAR Justice, Substance Use, HIV/AIDS Involved Populations (J-SHIP) Working Group
Contact
Curt Beckwith cbeckwith@lifespan.org
CFAR Sub-Saharan Africa Group
Contact
Anne Efron aefron@jhmi.edu
Inter-CFAR Substance Use Research Community (I-SURC)
Contacts
Christopher Kahler christopher_kahler@brown.edu
Karsten Lunze lunze@bu.edu
Inter-CFAR Transgender Health Working Group
Contact
Clare Barrington cbarring@email.unc.edu
Inter-CFAR Working Group on Aging
Contact
Shelle Bryant sbryant@emory.edu
Inter-CFAR Faith and Spirituality Working Group
Contact
David Haas david.haas@vumc.org