Miami Center for AIDS Research

Project Summary/Abstract (Overall) The Miami Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) at the University of Miami (UM) Miller School of Medicine (MSOM) is the only CFAR in Florida, the state with the highest rate of new infections with Miami as its epicenter, underscoring the need for a CFAR. In the past 5 years, the Miami CFAR has catalyzed innovative research in health equity and ending the HIV epidemic (EHE), HIV in women, AIDS related malignancies, HIV cure, and immune responses and has increased the Funded Research Base. It has developed a new Mentoring Academy program to launch junior investigators into leadership positions and added 14 new faculty. It has supported nearly $3 million in pilot awards between CFAR (1.45 million) and State ($1.6 million), and received >$1.6 million in NIH Administrative Supplements. During the proposed 4th cycle of funding, notable new successes at UM have propelled the CFAR’s ability to leverage new resources. These achievements include the Center for HIV and Research in Mental Health (CHARM), awarded by NIMH in 2019, Sylvester Cancer Center (SCC), that received NCI Cancer Center designation also in 2019; and the Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) that was renewed in 2018. The Miami CFAR’s five Cores, Administrative, Developmental, Clinical Sciences, Laboratory Sciences, Bio-Behavioral and Community Engagement, and the HIV & Aging Scientific Working Group (SWG) collaborate on the following 5 specific aims of the CFAR to promote the CFAR mission. Aim 1: Provide scientific leadership dedicated to support HIV/AIDS research to define scientific priorities, in alignment with the NIH, institutional and geographic needs; Aim 2: Leverage Institutional resources and enhance relationships with the afore-mentioned new Centers and HEIDI (HIV/AIDS and Emerging Infectious Diseases Institute), supported by the State, and UM Departments; Aim 3: Catalyze the synergies between Miami CFAR Cores, SWG, Scientific Interest Groups (SIGs) to collaborate with national research networks, industry, other FL institutions, and other CFARs; Aim 4: Grow the next generation of leaders in HIV/AIDS research through mentoring, career development and funding support; Aim 5: Nurture the partnership with the Florida Department of Health for research implementation, increase the reach of the CFAR towards EHE, and promote community outreach events to build on Miami CFAR’s efforts for community engagement. Under the leadership of Savita Pahwa, MD, Director and Mario Stevenson, PhD, Co-Director, the Miami CFAR has established an enviable position at the MSOM with HIV/AIDS research being designated as one of four strategic pillars that have been prioritized for resource allocation and faculty recruitment. The Internal and External Advisory Committees, and strategic planning provide opportunities for appraisal to improve the CFAR. With its strong infrastructure, capable faculty, strong collaborative interactions within and outside of UM, and opportunities for leveraging UM and State resources, we are confident that the next cycle of the Miami CFAR will be successful in achieving its goals.