Grant: HIV/AIDS & STBBI Clinical Trials Research Network - Phase 2

Sexually transmitted and bloodborne infections (STBBIs)-including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, and syphilis-continue to cause serious health challenges in Canada, especially among communities that experience obstacles to care and services. Even though there have been many advances in medical treatments, bridging the gap between clinical trials and real-world care remains a persistent challenge. Canada has strong real-world health data systems that can offer insights into how STBBI interventions perform in everyday settings. Yet we face a critical shortage of professionals equipped to analyze this data with advanced methods. This new national training program addresses this need by equipping a diverse group of participants across Canada-from graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, public health professionals and early-career researchers to community partners-with the skills to effectively evaluate STBBI programs using real-world data. The program goals are to: •Grow expertise in methods for studying how interventions work in everyday settings; •Build meaningful collaboration between researchers, public health organizations, community groups, and policymakers; •Support community organizations with data literacy skills to advocate for their needs. The program includes key components: •A summer school that offers intensive methodological training; •Monthly virtual seminar series; •Research placements embedding trainees in actual STBBI intervention evaluations; and •Tailored community-centered workshops for people living with or affected by STBBIs to enhance data literacy and research participation. The program will cultivate a new generation of STBBI researchers who are technically skilled, connected across disciplines, and deeply committed to equity. This initiative aims to strengthen public health research, inform evidence-based policies and practices, and contribute to healthier, better supported communities across Canada.