Midwest Developmental Center for AIDS Research (D-CFAR)

Project Summary Overall The Midwest D-CFAR seeks to advance impactful HIV research and thereby catalyze greater effectiveness in the HIV response in our region and beyond. More than ever, the scientific progress required to make progress against the HIV pandemic requires a diverse and cross-disciplinary scientific workforce, novel trans-

disciplinary insights and deep engagement with communities and stakeholders. The epidemic in the St. Louis and Missouri Region is in urgent need of such progress: the total annual number of new cases (approximately 500), deaths (approximately 200) and hospitalizations has remained steady over the last five

years, even as these numbers have fallen in some areas in the US. At this moment, however, the region has unique opportunities: the End the HIV Epidemic Initiative has energized the response and mobilized resources. At the same time the NIH HIV funded research base at WU and SLU has grown from $8.2 to

$14.8 million yearly, generating renewed scientific insights into cure, treatment and care delivery. In this environment, an investment from the NIH in a Developmental Center for AIDS Research (D-CFAR) can accelerate existing scientific investments and align scientific directions with the broader HIV response. After a

formative process to identify strengths and gaps in our environment, we have assembled a stakeholder- engaged and data-driven proposal. We propose the D-CFAR to be jointly hosted by Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) and Saint Louis University (SLU) to synergize complementary strengths. We include an

optional core in Dissemination and Implementation Science, which reflect our institutional strengths and regional needs. We are led by a distinctive and diverse MPI team, Drs. Geng (WashU) and Iwelunmor (SLU), to draw a wide range of scientific expertise and institutional units together. Our specific aims are: Aim 1.

Attract, advance, and retain HIV investigators to accelerate the scientific response to HIV regionally and globally. Aim 2. Develop and deploy institutional resources to promote multi-disciplinary, innovative research for an effective and equitable HIV response. Aim 3. Foster engagement with communities and regional public

health authorities to ensure stakeholder-responsive research and rapid utilization of findings into practice. Aim 4. Undertake iterative evaluation of D-CFAR based on standard process evaluation as well as the Translational Sciences Benefits Model to prepare for a full CFAR application long-term impact. Our vision is

to equitably improve the lives of people affected by the HIV epidemic. Our mission is to augment the scope, quality, and impact of people-centered science addressing HIV. Our goal is to transform our institutions to lead science aligned with the OAR priorities and contribute to turning the tide on this epidemic. In summary,

the Midwest D-CFAR will provide scientific leadership, build infrastructure dedicated to HIV research to enable collaboration, and establish a rigorous framework to develop the next generation of scientific leaders in HIV research, and thereby contribute to turning the tide on the HIV epidemic in our region and beyond.