CIHR HIV/AIDS Research Advisory Committee

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
Jonathan Angel - CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity Advisory Board

Members
Chris Archibald - Public Health Agency of Canada
James Blanchard - CIHR Institute of Population and Public Health
Eric Cohen - Biomedical Research Representative
Marina Klein - Clinical Research Representative
Shari Margolese - HIV/AIDS Community Representative
Dale McMurchy - CIHR Institute of Health Services and Policy Research 
Peter Menzies - CIHR Institute of Aboriginal Peoples' Health 
Judith Mill - Population Health Research Representative
Louise Nadeau - CIHR Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction
Anita Rachlis - Ministerial Council on HIV/AIDS
Ron Rosenes - HIV/AIDS Community Representative
Sean Rourke - Health Services Research Representative

Ex officio
Marc Ouellette - Scientific Director, CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity

CIHR Staff
Jennifer Gunning - Associate Director, HIV/AIDS Research Initiative
Jane Hutchison - Associate, HIV/AIDS Research Initiative
Marc-Etienne Joseph - Associate, HIV/AIDS Research Initiative
Paula Kirton - Associate Director, HIV/AIDS Research Initiative
Nancy Mason-MacLellan - Deputy Director, Targeted Initiatives Branch
Andrew Rajhathy - Project Officer, HIV/AIDS Research Initiative

CIHR HIV/AIDS Research Advisory Committee Meetings and Minutes