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.
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
D. Weaver - 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
N. Arron - Public Health Agency of Canada
A. Rachlis - Ministerial Council on HIV/AIDS
A. Anis, M. Tremblay, M. Wainberg, C. Worthington - HIV/AIDS researchers
W. Hiebert, S. Hosein - HIV/AIDS community organization representatives
Ex officio
B. Singh - Scientific Director, CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity
Support
J. Gunning - Team Lead, HIV/AIDS Research Initiative
J. Ralph - Program Officer, HIV/AIDS Research Initiative
M. Baril - HIV/AIDS Research Initiative Officer, HIV/AIDS Research Initiative
S. Lalumière - Project Officer, HIV/AIDS Research Initiative
Research Advisory Board Meetings
| 9th meeting | October 6, 2006 | Minutes |
| 8th meeting | June 26, 2006 | Minutes |
| 7th meeting | February 20, 2006 | Minutes |
| 6th meeting | October 7, 2005 | Minutes |
| 5th meeting | June 17, 2005 | Minutes |
| 4th meeting | February 7, 2005 | Minutes |
| 3rd meeting | October 12, 2004 | Minutes |
| 2nd meeting | May 20, 2004 | Minutes |
| 1st meeting | November 6, 2003 | Minutes |
