Grant: Planning Grants - Priority Announcement: International Research Collaborations

Advances in the treatment of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) have dramatically improved survival rates; however,HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders(HAND) remains highly prevalent. Considerable work remains to be done in clarifying the mechanisms of HAND, but also in developing novel treatment strategies. Canada has a long-standing reputation for international leadership in HIV/AIDS clinical trials; its international strategy focuses on establishing partnerships with HIV/AIDS investigators across the globe. The CTN Neurocognition Working Group has established initial contact with Professor Bruce Brew and Dr. Lucette Cysique in Australia, both international leaders in the field of HIV and cognition. Both groups share similar research objectives and have reported on parallel issues in HIV. The objective of this application is to secure funding to bring together researchers from both sites in order to develop a collaborative research agenda focused on innovation,that will ultimately improve the lives of Canadians living with HIV infection. The meeting is expected to take place in April 2013 with follow-up contacts in the 11 months that will follow.