Building bridges and making connections: Midwest D-CFAR representatives join inter-CFAR events

The Midwest D-CFAR plays a pivotal role in advancing HIV research and innovation in Missouri and the midwest, but as part of the NIH CFAR network, we are connected hundreds of HIV researchers, program leaders, and advocates across the US. In October, Midwest D-CFAR representatives attended several key inter-CFAR events to collaborate with, learn from, and share with others who share our commitment to advancing the fight against HIV.

Inter-CFAR Faith and Spirituality Research Collaborative: Exploring Community-Centered Research (October 21-22, Nashville, Tennessee)

Kneeshe Parkinson at the Inter-CFAR Faith and Spirituality Research Collaborative meeting.

This event brought together researchers and community stakeholders to discuss the intersection of faith, spirituality, and HIV research.

“Overall, the conference was a great chance to connect with others working toward similar goals and explore new ways to make a broader impact,” shared Kneeshe Parkinson, coordinator for the Midwest D-CFAR’s Scientific Working Group who attended the Nashville meeting. “We must continue to elevate our work by bridging the gaps between academia and the community most affected by HIV.”

Discussions emphasized the importance of community partnerships in advancing HIV research and for reaching underrepresented groups to ensure that HIV prevention and treatment efforts are inclusive and effective. Attendees also explored innovative research methodologies and how they could be applied to diverse populations, ensuring that scientific discoveries translate into real-world benefits.

28th Annual CFAR Meeting: A platform for cutting-edge discoveries (October 28-30, New York City, New York)

Alan E. Greenberg (director, DC CFAR), Rajesh T. Gandhi (co-director, CFAR at Harvard University), Renee Heffron (director, CFAR at University of Alabama at Birmingham), and Elvin Geng (director, Midwest D-CFAR) participate on a panel discussion on organizing advanced technologies cores at the Annual CFAR Meeting at CUNY in New York City.

Later in the October, several members of the Midwest D-CFAR team attended the 28th Annual CFAR Meeting in New York City, hosted by the Einstein-Rockefeller-CUNY Center for AIDS Research. Attendees included Elvin Geng and Juliet Iwelunmor, our center director and co-director; Jacaranda van Rheenen, our associate director; Jenn Klenke, our finance director; Darius Rucker, chair of our Stakeholder and Community Advisory Committee; and D-CFAR members Priya Pal and Aditi Ramankrishnan. Dr. Geng contributed to a panel discussion on advanced technology cores, showcasing the Midwest D-CFAR’s capabilities in leveraging technology to advance HIV research.

“This meeting was an invaluable opportunity to engage with the national CFAR network and learn about the incredible progress being made in HIV research across the country,” said Dr. Geng. “It also reinforced the importance of collaboration in driving innovation and achieving our shared mission to treat, prevent, and ultimately cure HIV.”

Dr.  Pal reflected on the experience, stating, “The NYC CFAR meeting was an incredible opportunity to see basic science, translational, and implementation work being conducted at centers around the country. It highlighted for me many areas where WashU excels and also revealed opportunities where I could grow my knowledge by learning from more experienced HIV investigators.”

The event focused on cutting-edge scientific discoveries and provided a platform for meaningful discussions between CFAR members, NIH representatives, and community partners.

Inter-CFAR Underrepresented Minority (URM) HIV Investigators Working Group: Driving equity in HIV research 

On the west coast, Mintesnot Teni represented the Midwest D-CFAR at the Inter-CFAR URM HIV Investigators Working Group meeting in San Francisco. This group, established in 2022, focuses on supporting underrepresented minority investigators at all career stages, from post-doctoral researchers to senior faculty.

The meeting aimed to address barriers faced by URM investigators and identify opportunities to enhance nationally coordinated, collaborative, and multidisciplinary HIV research. It also sought to crystallize the group’s research priorities and foster new collaborations.

“I recognized the tremendous potential for collaboration with researchers across the country who are dedicated to ending the HIV epidemic,” Dr. Teni said. “Across the country, there is a strong emphasis on research involving minority groups, aimed at reducing disparities in access to HIV prevention measures and lowering the high incidence of HIV within these populations.”

Jenn Klenke, Jacaranda van Rheenen, Aditi Ramakrishnan, and Juliet Iwelunmor at the CFAR Annual Meeting in New York City.

Strengthening Our Impact Through Collaboration 

For the Midwest D-CFAR, participation in these inter-CFAR events underscores the strength of being part of a national network. These gatherings provide opportunities to share expertise, learn from peers, and build partnerships that amplify the impact of HIV research.

“Being part of the NIH CFAR network provides us with a unique opportunity to  engage in transformative conversations and actively contribute to a shared goal of ending the HIV epidemic,” noted Dr. van Rheenen. “The exchange of ideas and collaboration with other CFARs enriches our work and helps us identify innovative solutions to tackle complex challenges.”

Looking ahead, the Midwest D-CFAR remains committed to leveraging these connections to advance its research, foster inclusivity, and ensure that scientific discoveries reach the communities most in need. As the network continues to grow and evolve, so too will the opportunities for collaboration and innovation, bringing us closer to a world without HIV.