Social and Behavioral Sciences Core

Duke University, Durham NC

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

Abstract ? Social and Behavioral Sciences Core (Core G) The Duke University CFAR Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS) Core (Core G) is the primary hub for university-wide scientific consultation on the design and conduct of social and behavioral studies related to HIV infection. In accordance with the overall mission for a CFAR, the SBS Core provides ?value-added? services to enhance and expand interdisciplinary research on the social and behavioral determinants of HIV prevention and treatment. In the most recent funding cycle, the Core served 126 unique research projects from 78 investigators at Duke and beyond, providing services related to grant submissions, research implementation, networking, community collaboration, and mentorship of new investigators. In this application, we propose to capitalize on our successes in the last six years, and to support investigators to develop their varied and diverse independent research portfolios and improve the quality and breadth of research to address the global HIV epidemic. We will pursue a more concerted focus on mental health and substance use, both as significant barriers to HIV prevention, testing and care, and as important intervention targets to improve the quality of life among people living with HIV. The SBS Core has four aims: 1) to use our expertise in mental health and substance use, in collaboration with the Clinical Core, to build a strong base of innovative research that advances HIV treatment and prevention both domestically and internationally; 2) to enhance the quality and quantity of social and behavioral HIV/AIDS research at Duke, by providing scientific consultations throughout the grant development and research process; 3) to build the individual and collective capacity of SBS investigators at Duke and its international partners, by attracting and supporting new investigators, providing mentorship and training, and facilitating networking both within Duke and between Duke and other CFARs; and 4) to enhance the reach and impact of Duke SBS studies by supporting collaborative community research and assisting investigators in the dissemination of findings to the community and larger scientific arena. Our activities will achieve these aims while targeting three high priority opportunities. First, we will take advantage of opportunities to support investigators throughout the grant lifecycle, from inception to implementation to dissemination. Second, we will build upon our interdisciplinary setting at Duke University to foster interactive networking opportunities that build capacity and strengthen research teams. Third, we will expand the depth and breadth of substance use and mental health research in the global context, by building upon our strong international partnerships. By capitalizing on the strengths and expertise of Duke investigators, the Core will help to promote research innovation that advances HIV science and practice, in order to prevent new infections, increase engagement across the continuum of HIV care, and improve the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS.