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!
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 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 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.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Sincerely,
Monica Gandhi MD, MPH; Director, UCSF-Bay Area CFAR