About CFAR Cores and Scientific Programs Our Center is structured to provide scientific direction and infrastructure support to translational research in basic, clinical and behavioral aspects of HIV disease. Services and programs housed within or funded by CFAR are available to HIV researchers at UCSF and our partner institutes. With a recorded NIH-funding base of almost $500 million, including more than $120 million in HIV/AIDS-relevant research (2005/2006), UCSF manages the largest HIV/AIDS research enterprise outside programs managed directly by the National Institutes of Health. ResearchOur six research cores operate within a larger network of clinical and scientific laboratories housed on the various UCSF campuses. These labs provide member investigators with access to a wide array of specialized services and significant technical expertise. Each core provides technical assistance to projects appropriate to our scientific mission, including the development of unique diagnostic assays, genomic tests and similar tools. Core directors are encouraged to support ground-breaking clinical developments or novel research initiatives by leveraging CFAR funding to acquire critical new equipment or develop new techniques and protocols. OperationsTwo cores provide administrative and developmental support to the Center's leadership and research cores. This support includes periodic monitoring of Center-directed initiatives, coordinating internal and external strategic reviews, and implementing mentoring, educational and pilot funding programs. EducationOur educational programs are developed through input from campus investigators (CFAR Scientific Counsel) affiliated with our Center, the Internal Advisory Board (IAB) and our Core Directors and Associate Core Directores. The programs provide opportunities for postdocs, research associates, students, and junior faculty to network with leading scientists from HIV/AIDS research programs at UCSF, our partner institutes as well as major international agencies. Presentation formats and topics are continually updated to incorporate new research questions and challenges emerging from the HIV epidemic, domestically and internationally. Speakers invited to lecture in our annual Seminar Series or translational Symposia, are drawn from private and academic centers and frequenly include collaborating scientists from other national CFARs. CFAR-produced events are free and open to the public unless otherwise indicated. Developmental AwardsFunding of new HIV research is crucial in the fight against the disease. Our annual cycle of direct funding is designed to support novel research initiatives proposed by new investigators. Our pilot program grants, mentored scientist awards, basic science awards and international scientist training grants are directed towards junior faculty and postdocs. Current program requirements can be viewed here. | 
