Bio-Behavioral and Community Science Core

Harvard University, Cambridge MA

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT: Bio-Behavioral and Community Science Core Since 2014, the Bio-Behavioral and Community Science Core has provided consultations and other support to CFAR members for the design of research studies that utilize state-of-the-art methodologies to develop interventions to limit HIV transmission, and increase serostatus awareness, engagement in care, and medication adherence, while simultaneously addressing the social and structural factors that impede achieving these goals. In the past grant cycle, the work of this Core has resulted in 10 HU CFAR Developmental awards and 30 NIH K- or R-series awards, and multiple inter-CFAR collaborations during the current funding period. The Core has played a major role in developing the following HU CFAR Scientific Working Groups: Substance Use and HIV, Adolescence and HIV, HIV and Aging, and Reproductive Health for HIV-Affected Populations. This Core has also been increasingly focused on community engagement, and its leadership is dedicated to engaging affected communities in the research process and to engaging all key stakeholders about the need for integration of bio-behavioral, social, and community-based research in HIV treatment, prevention, cure, and vaccine development. Finally, the increased demand for consultations by this Core indicates a greater interest in integrating this research. We propose a Bio-Behavioral and Community Science Core with the following goals: 1) Provide consultive and mentoring services to HU CFAR members on bio-behavioral, social science, and community science aspects of HIV prevention, treatment, IS and translational research both domestically and in the global context. 2) Integrate behavioral and social science methodologies into existing HU CFAR biomedical projects and other new cross-discipline projects.3) Provide consultative support for the development of new IS studies, and to provide ongoing mentorship for investigators conducting IS research. 4) Foster and maintain meaningful collaborations with communities disproportionately impacted by HIV, to inform HIV prevention, treatment, and translational research across the CFAR and support the career development of early-stage investigators from underserved communities. The Core will assist with grant proposals, consultations on methods for qualitative research, intervention development, quantitative assessment development, mixed-method research, and community-based participatory research.