The Duke Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) is part of a network of NIH-funded CFARs across the nation. The principal mission of the Duke CFAR is to provide scientific leadership as well as establish, enrich, and provide continued infrastructure support to an academic research environment that will effectively promote collaboration and coordination among the community of HIV/AIDS investigators at Duke. Learn more about the services and support available to researchers at Duke through our scientific Cores.
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CFAR AIT Core Fosters Generations of Mentorship and Discovery
This graduation season, the Duke CFAR celebrates two outstanding scholars whose paths have been shaped and connected through the Advanced Immunotechnology (AIT) Core. Grant Williams, a Duke undergraduate who graduated with distinction, and Danielle Nettere, a trainee who graduated with her MD/PhD degrees, are at different stages in their careers but both embody the spirit of scientific curiosity, dedication, and mentorship that the AIT Core has cultivated across generations. These are just two of the many stories from trainees who have benefited from their interactions with AIT investigators and their teams, helping to shape future generations of scientists.
CFAR-funded Study Highlights Challenges and Benefits of Integrating Opioid Use Disorder and Mental Health Treatment in HIV Care
A recent study led by Brandon A. Knettel, PhD, published in PLOS ONE, sheds light on the perspectives of healthcare providers regarding the integration of opioid use disorder (OUD) and mental health treatment within HIV care. The study revealed significant barriers and potential benefits of such integration.
Marta Mulawa receives Graduate School Dean's Award for Excellence in Mentoring
The Graduate School is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2025 Dean's Awards, recognizing excellence in mentoring, teaching, and inclusive initiatives. The Dean’s Awards for Excellence in Mentoring recognizes the considerable efforts and accomplishments of faculty and graduate students who consistently serve as effective mentors. Designed to allow the university community to identify faculty and graduate students who embody both the letter and spirit of mentoring, these awards are important examples of the university’s continuing efforts to cultivate a culture of mentoring
Trainees Practice Effective Science Communication Skills through... Improv??
Effective science communication can shape public policy, foster collaboration, and inspire action. In a recent two-day immersive workshop led by the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science and sponsored by the Interdisciplinary Research Training Program in AIDS (IRTPA) T32, trainees and early-stage investigators honed their skills in building trust, crafting clear messages, and engaging diverse audiences.
Kathy Link recognized with Research Support Excellence Award
Congratulations to Kathy Link for being recognized with the Department of Medicine’s Research Support Excellence Award!
The Research Support Award recognizes sustained excellence in the administrative and programmatic support of research studies in the Department of Medicine. These staff members help to manage complex regulatory thickets, navigate byzantine internal systems, balance competing priorities, create order from chaos, connect team members, identify latent creative solutions, and ultimately enhance the rigor and the feasibility of research projects in the Department of Medicine.
World AIDS Day Commemoration
On December 6, 2024, the Duke Collaborative Community Council (D3C) hosted a heartfelt evening of reflection, connection, and advocacy in honor of World AIDS Day. Held in downtown Durham, the event brought together community members, CFAR researchers, and advocates to share stories, art, and insights that amplify the lived experiences of those affected by HIV.
Early Stage Investigators attend Translational HIV Vaccine Conference in New Orleans
On October 21st, a dedicated group of Duke early-stage investigators attended the 8th Translational HIV Vaccine Early Stage Investigator (ESI) Conference in New Orleans. The event was organized by Drs. Alison Roxby and Jim Kublin of the HIV Vaccine Trial Network and was attended by a strong Duke ESI contingent. The one-day conference aimed to support ESIs focusing on translational HIV research in non-human primates (NHPs) or clinical HIV and TB research.
Duke CFAR at HIVR4P
The HIV Research for Prevention Conference is the only global scientific conference focused exclusively on the challenging and fast-growing field of HIV prevention research.
At the opening plenary, the International AIDS Society (IAS) recognized Chris Beyrer with the Desmond Tutu Award for HIV Prevention Research and Human Rights. The award is named in honor of South African cleric Desmond Tutu, one of the leading global advocates for HIV prevention and the dignity of all people.
2024 Duke CFAR Fall Scientific Retreat Recap
On September 19, 2024, the 20th Annual Duke CFAR Fall Scientific Retreat took place at the Trent Semans Center for Health Education. The event brought together nearly 200 researchers, clinicians, and community members to discuss recent advancements in HIV/AIDS research and spark ideas and collaboration. In an effort to foster an inclusive and engaging atmosphere, the day included a variety of presentation formats, and speakers were encouraged to use plain language to reach an interdisciplinary audience. We thank all who joined us and especially those who worked hard to plan and carry out a successful and inspiring retreat!
2024 Interns Share Their Thoughts
As part of a five-year NIAID R25 research education grant to deliver training in quantitative methods for HIV/AIDS research, the Quantitative Methods for HIV Researchers Summer Internship program provides mentoring and research experiences in HIV/AIDS for Masters or PhD students from quantitative disciplines such as statistics, biostatistics, data science, mathematics, computer science, and engineering
Congratulations to the 2024 CFAR Pilot Awardees
The CFAR Developmental Core provides resources and services to CFAR members to enhance career development in basic, clinical, or social and behavioral sciences. Resources and services provided by the Developmental Core include funding for small grants to assist CFAR members in the generation of preliminary data to support grant proposals submitted to external funding agencies. The CFAR Developmental Core Pilot Awards support scientific studies for 1 year.
Duke CFAR at AIDS 2024
Duke CFAR colleagues met up in Munich, Germany at AIDS 2024 throughout the week and at a Duke CFAR and Duke HIV Global Initiative mixer attended by Sheron Lewin (IAS president) and several colleagues.
Poster presenters included: Dana Chow; Mehri McKellar, Charlie Burns, & Justin Frye; Lance Okeke & Meredith Clement; Kelly Seaton; Valerie Yelverton, and Roberto Orellana (presenting on behalf of Dirk Davis). Philippe Rascale participated in the ANRS MIE-DZIF HIV Cure satellite.
Duke CFAR researchers highlight the existential threat of climate change
The Duke CFAR has been leading discussions to shed light on the disproportionate impacts of climate change on people living with HIV, nations in the Global South, and individuals with minoritized identifies. CFAR investigators have recently come together with others from across Duke (including the Nicholas School of the Environment, Pratt School of Engineering, and Duke Global Health Institute) and in the community (including collaborating with Dr. Chris Hawn of the North Carolina Environmental Justice Network), to publish articles and commentaries shedding light on this important and dire topic.
D3C Chair Eugenia Rogers selected for NMAC 2024 HIV 50+ Strong & Healthy Cohort
Each year, NMAC ensures that those selected represent the communities most impacted by the HIV epidemic. This year’s HIV 50+ cohort is comprised of older adults living with HIV and who have a demonstrated record of advocating for PLWH over the age of 50 and/or other Long-Term Survivors. As always, the cohort is made up of a mix of returning 50+ Scholars (38%) and new Scholars (62%).
The Duke CFAR is excited that our Duke Collaborative Community Council (D3C) Chair Eugenia Rogers was selected for this year's cohort.
