The newly-established Duke Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) has as its principal mission the establishment and support of an academic environment that promotes and encourages the intramural collaboration and coordination of all AIDS-related research activities at Duke and its international partner, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC), in Moshi, Tanzania.

 

Duke investigators have had a rich history of scientific contributions in the arena of basic and clinical AIDS research. Under the umbrella of this new NIH-sponsored CFAR initiative, we hope to significantly enhance the rate and breadth of new findings in the field by providing necessary infrastructure through our Cores and Research Programs. Among our first goals is the establishment of a scientific dialogue within the community of Duke and KCMC AIDS investigators in order to both highlight ongoing research activities in each laboratory and foster new intramural scientific collaborations. This activity will be aimed at applying the broad repertoire of available research talent to address fundamental questions relating to HIV prevention and treatment as well as gaining a better understanding of AIDS pathogenesis. In this regard, the Duke CFAR also seeks to reach out to intramural scientists who are not presently involved in AIDS-related research, but whose research talents and interests could greatly compliment and extend the scope of ongoing or future investigations.

 

In keeping with the many current University-wide initiatives in the area of Global Health, we particularly look forward to greatly expanding our basic and clinical research collaborations with the scientists and clinicians at KCMC, under the auspices of the Duke CFAR. These important efforts will provide abundant new opportunities for Duke and KCMC investigators to form alliances in the context of joint research projects as well as training and mentoring, while providing critical perspective on issues of Global Health.

 

Director