Social and behavioral sciences (SBS) research, conducted independently or embedded within transdisciplinary research, is critical to ending the HIV epidemic and enhancing care for people with HIV. The mission of the CFAR SBS Core is to support Duke investigators conducting SBS research or using social-behavioral research methods in HIV-related research.

Request a Consultation

For an SBS Core consultation, email cfar-sbs-core-request@duke.edu
For a qualitative research consultation, click here

Early Planning and Grant Preparation

  • Brainstorm on research ideas, funding opportunities, and framing specific aims to address NIH AIDS priorities
  • Discuss implications of previous study findings to inform new grant applications
  • Provide consultation on selecting study designs and methods, appropriate SBS measures, and data analysis approaches
  • Provide administrative support, including proofreading, compiling supplemental materials, and providing letters of support from the SBS Core

Peer Review

  • Convene panel of Duke researchers to review and provide feedback on draft NIH grant applications prior to submission

Post-Award Consultation

  • Provide consultation and continuous support during study implementation, including efficient study startup and project management strategies

Training and Capacity Building

  • Provide scientific guidance in designing and implementing quantitative and qualitative research, including reviewing survey questions and items, refining qualitative question guides, programming online survey platforms and data management systems (e.g., REDCap), training qualitative interviewers, planning for interview transcription, and identifying approaches to qualitative data analysis
  • Partner with Duke’s QualCore to provide qualitative research guidance

Networking and Community Engagement

  • Bring together investigators from across disciplines
  • Build ties with community partners to share ideas and discuss opportunities to initiate new research meaningful to communities
  • Support community outreach in Durham and other research sites, including in global settings, and assist researchers in the community engagement process

Mentoring

  • Provide mentorship to new CFAR members who are early stage investigators
  • Connect junior investigators with senior faculty

Dissemination of Study Findings and Manuscript Preparation

  • Provide suggestions on dissemination materials
  • Offer advice on community feedback sessions
  • Provide consultations on scientific journals for submission
  • Offer assistance with manuscript review and formatting

Corneli
Amy Corneli, PhD, MPH
Core Director

Relf
Michael Relf, PhD, RN, ANEF, FAAN
Core Associate Director

Wilson
Sarah M. Wilson, PhD
Core Associate Director

Austin
Rachel Austin, MPH
Core Coordinator