Grant: HIV/AIDS & STBBI Clinical Trials Research Network - Phase 1

Over 30 years, the CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network (CTN) has built a world-class national network enabling Canadian researchers, healthcare providers and community members to collaborate locally and internationally to lead impactful, outcomes-based clinical research in HIV, hepatitis C, syphilis and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs) and train the next generation of researchers. Despite tremendous progress, important disparities across regions and populations remain. There are also many opportunities to develop new technologies, models of care and curative therapies. Aligned with the CIHR HIV/AIDS and STBBI Research Initiative, we present our proposal to restructure the CTN. At its foundation are five Interdisciplinary Clinical Trials Research Teams (Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario, Prairies, and British Columbia/Yukon) that will respond to local priorities, ensure meaningful community engagement, and offer equitable access to research for all populations. We will foster innovative pan-Canadian trials through science accelerators focused on Prevention, Treatment/Management, and Cure, informed by regional teams and people with lived/living experience including Indigenous groups. A National Coordinating Centre will provide critical infrastructure to promote network objectives and accelerate research. A Community-Centred Knowledge Mobilization (KM) Hub will support all CTN members to create high-quality, effective KM products to share research outputs using culturally safe approaches to diverse stakeholders. Strong governance will ensure equity, diversity and inclusion in decision making and engagement with national and international networks. Building on a track record of success, the reimagined CTN+ will strengthen capacity for STBBI trials in Canada, mobilize research knowledge among stakeholders, improve health equity for marginalized populations, and meaningfully advance commitments towards Truth and Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.