HIV Prevention Research Update from the 2009 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI)

This is a four-session series with webinars planned for February 19, February 26, March 5, March 12

In order to deepen community understanding and discussion of the prevention research issues discussed at the 2009 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections, we will provide a series of four webinars that will include an overview of the scientific presentations and feature researchers and advocates who will discuss CROI sessions (that can be viewed ahead of time online).

As in CHAMP and AVAC's previous trainings on prevention research advocacy, participants will be encouraged to be active participants and not passive listeners. Each webinar will feature:

• An online slide show presented by key researchers and/or advocates
• Opportunities for dialogue with the presenters
• Discussion on how each topic fits in a broader research advocacy agenda and opportunities for further engagement in advocacy

We welcome anyone to participate, including those who are new to prevention research issues as well as those who are currently engaged in research advocacy efforts.

Prior to each installment of the series, participants can watch a CROI plenary or workshop session online and review the associated materials. During the webinar itself, researchers will speak to the research in a more informal, accessible and conversational tone and answer questions in a facilitated discussion period.

The distance-learning program is formatted in four 60- to 75-minute sessions scheduled over a four-week period following CROI. The program is divided into the following topics:

All call times will be 2:00 - 3:15 PM Eastern

February 19: Introduction: How to Read an Abstract and Understand Research Language
Speakers: Walt Senterfitt, CHAMP and Richard Jefferys, Treatment Action Group

February 26: Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Other Topics in Biomedical Prevention

March 5: HIV Transmission: Characteristics and Prevention

March 12: HIV Prevention Issues in Women and Gay Men and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men

Through participation in the series, individuals will:

• Improve their skills for reading and interpreting HIV prevention research abstracts and presentations,
• Understand key HIV prevention issues and research presented at CROI,
• Increase their capacity to provide input and participate in dialogue with researchers to ensure community concerns are addressed in prevention research, and
• Consider opportunities for further learning and advocacy opportunities in HIV prevention research

At the end of each webinar and at the end of the series, we'll be discussing how these topics fit into the broader prevention agenda and sharing specific next steps that CHAMP and AVAC will be working on with our partners.

For more information on the webinar series, contact Josh Thomas of CHAMP at 212-937-7955 x 30.