Community Research & Engagement Core

University Of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

Modified Project Summary/Abstract Section The Community Research and Engagement Core (Core F) supports investigators and catalyzes research initiatives that require the direct engagement of individuals in their communities, and engagement of communities and community organizations, in conducting high priority HIV research. Existing gaps in HIV testing coverage, prevention services and care have been exacerbated by the COVID pandemic. Over a third of all individuals with diagnosed HIV are not receiving regular care from HIV providers and have unsuppressed virus. The COVID pandemic also revealed the fragile nature of community perceptions and trust in science and highlighted the importance of developing meaningful relationships between researchers and the communities we hope to impact. Core F is focused on supporting investigators addressing these important challenges in HIV prevention, care, and community engagement. Core F aims are: 1) to build a research infrastructure able to provide meaningful support to both new and established investigators conducting community-based HIV research, 2) to identify, mentor, and train new HIV researchers in strategies necessary for effective community-based research, and 3) to strengthen a bi-directional program of community engagement with the Penn CFAR. To achieve these aims, Core F provides services to investigators as they develop applications to test interventions to reduce HIV infections among high risk, uninfected populations as well as those designed to improve viral suppression among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). In all its services, Core F places a high priority on assisting trainees and early career investigators. Significant Core resources are devoted to community engagement initiatives including programmatic support for the CFAR Community Advisory Board (CAB), coordination with other HIV CABs on campus and developing opportunities for community members to have input into HIV research topics, design, and implementation challenges. Core F will work closely with the Implementation Science Core and the Scientific Working Group (SWG). Core F also collaborates with other CFAR Cores to capitalize on research opportunities, avoid duplication of effort, and maximize efficiencies in services, and places high value on inter-CFAR collaborations as a strategy for maximizing opportunities for mentoring, investigator support, and innovative research. Core F provides administrative and programmatic support to the National CFAR CAB Coalition (N3C), the CFAR Social and Behavioral Science Research Network (SBSRN) and coordinates the Penn CFAR’s involvement in the Mid Atlantic CFAR Consortium (MACC) Scholars Program. The Core will be led by David Metzger (Director), and to develop a new generation of leadership the Core has added three new investigators in the current cycle: Dr. Robert Schnoll (Co-Director) and Drs. Nadia Dowshen and Steven Meanley (Core Investigators). Core F is coordinated by Amy Onorato (Coordinator), who manages the CFAR Community Advisory Board and the CFAR N3C.