When communities are authentically engaged and valued in research, it results in not only better science, but also a healthier, more just future for all.

The Midwest D-CFAR hosted its inaugural HIV Proposal Bootcamp on the WashU Medicine campus in April. This event was designed to support emerging HIV researchers in developing competitive grant proposals.

Julia López, PhD, is an assistant professor of medicine and early-stage investigator at WashU.

Nadia Sam-Agudu’s talk at WashU addressed themes from historical nomenclature to the lingering effects of colonialism and necessity of speaking out for what is right.

Claire Najjuuko, Chenyang Lu, Fred Ssewamala use AI to target interventions to improve compliance.

Helena Lamptey has been selected to receive one of five AFRICURE Developmental Awards for 2025.

The Partners 4 Health Grantathon brought together nine participants to develop competitive grant proposals focused on HIV prevention, mental health, and health equity in the Midwest.

Anne Sebert Kuhlmann, PhD, MPH, is a professor at Saint Louis University’s College for Public Health and Social Justice and co-director of our Dissemination and Implementation Science Core.

The Midwest D-CFAR and the Light Institute for Global Health and Transformation brought together a small group public health researchers and stakeholders for the announcement of winning submissions to the recent Partners 4 Health open call.

Samuel Kizito is an assistant research professor at the Brown School at WashU, and co-investigator in our Developmental Core.

These awards aim to support emerging and established researchers as they expand their focus to HIV-related studies.

The Midwest D-CFAR and WashU Department of Molecular Microbiology co-hosted the HIV Translational Grand Rounds and Microbiology Seminar Series on January 21, featuring Robert F. Siliciano, MD, PhD.

George Kyei is an associate professor of medicine and microbiology at WashU, and co-director of our Advanced Technology Core.

Groundbreaking new research from Zambia, supported by D-CFAR director Elvin Geng and member Aaloke Mody, tested a new way to make HIV care more person-centered by focusing on respect, kindness, and better communication from health providers. The results show that fostering positive provider-patient relationships can significantly improve retention in care.

On December 2, the Midwest D-CFAR's Scientific Working Group (SWG) hosted the virtual kickoff for the Research Community Collaborative. This event marked the beginning of an exciting effort to create a shared plan for HIV research that responds to the needs of communities across Missouri and the Midwest.

Virginia (Ginger) McKay is an assistant professor at WashU, and director of our Dissemination and Implementation Science Core.

CFARS unite! How do collaboration and innovation drive the fight against HIV? Midwest D-CFAR representatives joined national inter-CFAR events this fall, exploring partnerships and sharing breakthroughs with fellow researchers, advocates, and community leaders.

The University of Missouri-Columbia has launched the ACCELERATE clinical trial, a groundbreaking study simplifying ART re-initiation for people living with HIV who are out of care.

Grant writing requires grit, passion, and a vision for change. During a transformative week, Midwest D-CFAR co-director Juliet Iwelunmor, PhD, guided 13 participants through the art of crafting grants to drive the fight against HIV in Missouri.

Dima Dandachi, MD, MPH, is associate professor of medicine at University of Missouri, medical director of Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services, and co-director of our Scientific Working Group.