The CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity is seeking qualified individuals to replace two members of the CIHR HIV/AIDS Research Advisory Committee and invites nominations for potential candidates in the categories of HIV/AIDS researcher and/or HIV/AIDS community representative.

Background

The Institute of Infection and Immunity identified HIV/AIDS as one of its priority research areas and is committed to leading a process which will enable CIHR to systematically examine and act on HIV/AIDS research priorities. Upon consultation with various stakeholders, it was suggested that such a process would ideally be led by a group with in depth knowledge of all aspects of Canadian HIV/AIDS research, an understanding of the complex dynamics of the HIV/AIDS community, an ability to make recommendations on research policies and programs that would be supported by all of CIHR, and a capacity to act as a champion for HIV/AIDS researchers and individuals living with and vulnerable to HIV/AIDS.

Endorsed by the President of CIHR, the CIHR Research Priorities and Planning Committee and Institute of Infection and Immunity Advisory Board, the CIHR HIV/AIDS Research Advisory Committee (CHARAC) was struck as a sub-committee of the Institute of Infection and Immunity Advisory Board. The committee membership enables the Committee to be a voice for HIV/AIDS researchers within CIHR, and encourages good communication between stakeholders interested in HIV/AIDS research.

Committee Mandate and Structure

The Committee has a mandate to make recommendations to the Institute of Infection and Immunity and to the Research Priorities and Planning Committee (RPPC) of CIHR regarding research priorities for HIV/AIDS. In particular, CHARAC provides advice to the CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity Advisory Board regarding strategic initiatives in HIV/AIDS research to aid in the development of future targeted Requests for Applications (RFA).

CHARAC reports, via the CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity Advisory Board and Scientific Director, to the CIHR Research Priorities and Planning Committee (RPPC) which is composed of 13 institute Scientific Directors and 4 CIHR Vice-Presidents and is chaired by the President. This reporting ensures that the work of CHARAC has an impact which spans all 13 CIHR institutes.

The current membership of the CIHR HIV/AIDS Research Advisory Committee is as follows:

Chair

• C. Power - CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity Advisory Board

Members 

• E. Nowgesic - CIHR Institute of Aboriginal Peoples' Health
• R. Quirion - CIHR Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction
• M. Schechter - CIHR Institute of Health Services and Policy Research
• C. Hankins - CIHR Institute of Population and Public Health
• P. Sandstrom - Health Canada
• A. Rachlis - Ministerial Council on HIV/AIDS
• J. Angel, L. Calzavara, M. Wainberg - HIV/AIDS researchers
• R. Travers - HIV/AIDS community organization representative

Ex officio

• B. Singh - Scientific Director, CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity

Support

• P. Kirton - Project Lead, HIV/AIDS Research Program
• B. Moor - Assistant Director, CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity

Process

At the present time, nominations are being sought for:

• 1 HIV/AIDS researcher
• 1 representative nominated by HIV/AIDS community organizations

The Committee is seeking nominations from all areas of research though nominations are strongly encouraged for individuals whose work has an emphasis on community based research methodologies and for persons living with HIV/AIDS.

Nominations of individuals for CHARAC members should include a brief (250 word) rationale for the nomination and a short biographical sketch or curriculum vitae. The rationale should make reference to qualifications, expertise and/or previous contributions to the Canadian HIV/AIDS community, and should indicate the perspective that the nominee will bring to the work of the Committee. Contact information for both the nominator and the nominee(s) must be included with the nomination documents.

Deadline for receipt of nominations is January 10, 2005.

Nominations should be addressed to:
Paula Kirton
Project Lead HIV/AIDS Research Program
CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity
160 Elgin St, 9th Floor
Address Locator 4809A
Ottawa, ON K1A 0W9