Dear CFAR Community,
We wanted to send you a message on this Valentine’s Day that our CFAR remains strong and successful. A CFAR is considered “top tier” (and receives developmental support accordingly) if the number of NIH grants across the institution is above $80 million (called our funded research base). We are well above that amount in terms of the NIH grants we bring in for HIV research, which means we will be able to complete in next year’s renewal at a high level. So, thank you and congratulations to you all!
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The CFAR has made great progress this year due to the talents and hard work of all of the HIV researchers at UCSF and our CFAR affiliates. Our Bioinformatics Sub-Core has been so popular and needed that we are seeking additional analysts; the Pharmacology and Immunology sub-cores continue to support multiple studies. The Bio-Behavioral Core (PrEP cohort, Substance Use Program
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of Research, Biomarkers of Behavior) is an entirely new initiative in the CFAR and is addressing both prevention and behaviors that contribute to HIV risk and poorer treatment outcomes. The Clinical Core (AIDS Specimen Bank, SCOPE cohort, Participant Referral Service) continues to advance science in inflammation, cure, the reservoir, and in expanding the pool of participants in research. The Housing/Intersectionality Scientific Working Groups discuss social determinants that prevent success in HIV outcomes and the Developmental Core continues to support our brilliant early stage investigators, including through mentoring.
Finally, I wanted to address the uncertainties plaguing us all, particularly in the field of HIV. The NIH indirect rate cut proposal from last Friday (not posed as a thought, but as a mandate) was swiftly overturned by Monday but not without leaving its scars that the administration would not recognize the importance of NIH-funded research. PEPFAR– most tragically- has not yet resumed normal level of functioning in many countries, despite a waiver provided for its
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activities by the State Department, since USAID is still on hold and USAID collaborators staff a lot of PEPFAR work. Pauses on CDC work also affect PEPFAR programming. Finally, even the waiver put forth by the administration for PEPFAR did not resume prevention activities for all groups, just pregnant women, leaving important populations in need of prevention behind.
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I wanted to reassure you all that the CFAR will continue its work as charged. We will continue to fund basic, clinical and socio-behavioral research in HIV and – importantly – support our early stage investigators. We are giving the CFAR mentees a talk on Grant Writing and doing a session reviewing their specific aims for various grants today! I recognize how difficult this time is and the only solace I can provide is that we are working in solidarity with a singular mission toward improving outcomes for those living with or at risk of HIV. That solidarity will go a long way towards combatting forces that do not understand the importance of basic investigation into mechanisms of disease or the importance of improving lives and mitigating stigma for those living with HIV. We will prevail because I don’t believe HIV is a disease, but a movement. A movement towards social justice, mainly, and helping those who have lived with prejudice for way too long. I wish you all fortitude during these times and please let us know if we can help you in any way from the CFAR.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Sincerely
Monica Gandhi MD, MPH; Director, UCSF-Bay Area CFAR
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