UNC Center for AIDS Research

11/20/2025

The UNC CFAR congratulates the Malawi HIV Implementation Research Scientist Training (M-HIRST) program for its recent renewal with partners at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences! The M-HIRST program will continue to strengthen Malawi’s capacity for mentored HIV and implementation research training. To date, 89 trainees have benefited from the program, creating a growing cohort of researchers in Malawi. Read more about the M-HIRST program and its renewal here: med.unc.edu/cfar/2025/11/m-hirst-grant-renewal-demonstrates-growth-and-leadership/

11/12/2025

Join us for the 26th Annual World AIDS Day Symposium. This year’s theme is “Rethink. Rebuild. Rise.” Featuring keynote speaker Dr. Geri Donenberg, NIH Associate Director for AIDS Research and Director of the NIH Office of AIDS Research — a leader in global HIV prevention and health equity. Plus, lightning talks from UNC CFAR investigators: Drs. Kimberly Powers, Sarah Joseph, Sonia Napravnik, Thibaut Davy-Mendez, and Sarah Rutstein. To read more about UNC’s Center for AIDS Research World AIDS Day Symposium, click here;

Save the Date: 26th Annual World AIDS Day Symposium December 5, 2025 November 12, 2025 By Barrett Winder The UNC Center for AIDS Research will celebrate the 26th Annual World AIDS Day Symposium, a morning dedicated to reflection, research, and renewal in the fight against HIV. This year’s theme .....

11/05/2025

We’re proud to share that CFAR member Sarah Rutstein, MD, PhD, has received a multi-year NIH R34 grant to pilot field-based HIV care delivery across North Carolina. Her research will focus on reaching people with HIV who are out of care—bringing treatment directly to communities and exploring the use of long-acting injectable ART, administered every two months instead of daily pills. This groundbreaking study will help shape future strategies to improve care access and viral suppression across the state. To read more about Dr. Rutstein’s work, click here; https://www.med.unc.edu/cfar/2025/11/cfar-member-sarah-rutstein-receives-multi-year-nih-grant-to-study-field-based-hiv-care-delivery-in-north-carolina/

10/29/2025

Join us for Medicine Grand Rounds on Thursday, Oct 30, 12–1 PM! Dr. David Wohl presents: “How Internists Will End the U.S. HIV Epidemic.” Attend in person (Old Clinic Building Auditorium, 4th Floor) or virtually.

10/28/2025

During University Research Week, the Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases brought together leading researchers and the Center for AIDS Research leadership — including Drs. Sonia Napravnik, David Wohl, Ross Boyce, Vivian Go, and Sarah Rutstein — to discuss infectious disease threats, climate change, overdose crises, and system-level solutions. To read more about this discussion, click here to read the full summary of the discussion; https://www.med.unc.edu/cfar/2025/10/exploring-the-links-between-global-health-and-local-action/

10/21/2025

As we approach World AIDS Day 2025, UNC CFAR joins the global HIV community in a bold, unified call to action: Rethink. Rebuild. Rise.

This powerful theme also sets the stage for the 26th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2026).

UNC CFAR stands with our partners across North Carolina and around the world to carry this message forward into World AIDS Day 2025 and AIDS 2026. To read more about CFAR’s involvement in World AIDS Day 2025 click here; https://www.med.unc.edu/cfar/2025/10/unc-cfar-announces-aids-2026-and-world-aids-day-2025-theme-rethink-rebuild-rise/

10/17/2025

We’re proud to celebrate Ning Fu, Assistant Director of Finance at UNC Lineberger Cancer Center and a key partner supporting UNC CFAR!

A Chapel Hill native and lifelong Tar Heel, Ning recently received the Dean’s Performance Award, recognizing her dedication, leadership, and support of vital cancer and HIV research operations.

Since joining UNC in 2012, Ning has advanced through multiple roles — always with a focus on transparency, teamwork, and mission-driven service. She continues to play a crucial role in helping our research teams thrive. Click here to read more about Ning’s involvement in the CFAR;

Celebrating Leadership and Dedication: Ning Fu, Assistant Director of Finance October 9, 2025 By Barrett Winder The UNC Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) is proud to spotlight Ning Fu, a Chapel Hill native and lifelong Tar Heel, who recently received the Dean’s Performance Award for her exceptional ...

10/16/2025

Join us Thursday, December 11 from 8:00–10:00 AM for an exciting interactive workshop led by Dr. Liz Chen: “Innovating Together: Human-Centered Design Tools for HIV Investigators” in Room 3166 of the Mary Ellen Jones Building at UNC. This workshop will introduce practical HCD tools—like Extremes & Mainstreams and Journey Mapping—to help HIV researchers co-create with communities and drive impactful, innovative research. To learn more about this event and register, click here; https://www.med.unc.edu/cfar/2025/10/join-us-for-the-fall-2025-cfar-networking-event-human-centered-design-tools-for-hiv-research/

10/02/2025

After a remarkable career spanning decades in clinical medicine, public health, and HIV research, Dr. Carol Golin is retiring from her formal roles at UNC. As Director of the Social and Behavioral Research Core at UNC CFAR, Dr. Golin leads with compassion and a deep commitment to amplifying community voices. Her work has shaped national conversations on the structural drivers of HIV and has empowered the voices of those most impacted by the epidemic. Read more about Dr. Golin’s legacy and future in our latest UNC CFAR feature here; https://www.med.unc.edu/cfar/2025/10/honoring-dr-carol-golin/

09/25/2025

CFAR Member Dr. Ed Browne and his team at the UNC HIV CURE Center have received two major NIH grants to advance groundbreaking research in the fight against HIV. Grant 1: Dr. Browne's team is working on innovative lipid nanoparticles that could silence HIV’s Tat gene in the brain using CRISPR technology! This could stop viral reactivation and the harmful effects of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) – a major breakthrough as no existing drugs target this process.
Grant 2: The team will also investigate how cannabinoids (CBD, cannabis) affect the HIV reservoir in humanized mouse models. As cannabis use is common among people with HIV, this research could provide new insights into its impact on HIV persistence and inform better treatment strategies. With these exciting advancements, Dr. Browne’s lab is on the cutting edge of HIV cure research. Click here to read more about Dr. Browne’s study;

Dr. Ed Browne Receives Two NIH Grants to Advance HIV Cure Research September 25, 2025 By Barrett Winder Dr. Edward Browne, a member of the CFAR’s Advanced Technology Laboratory Core, associate professor of medicine, and leader of the Browne Lab within the UNC HIV CURE Center, has recently secured ...

09/18/2025

Sept 18 is National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day!
As more people live longer with HIV, we must meet their unique needs. This year’s theme: “Protect Our Aging Populations” To read more about National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day click here; https://www.med.unc.edu/cfar/2025/09/the-unc-cfar-celebrates-national-hiv-aids-and-aging-awareness-day-on-september-18/

Sept. 18

“Aging with HIV is not just survival—it’s wisdom, joy, and a future we’re still building. Let’s honor the journey and invest in care that lets every elder thrive. ”

“U=U means more years, more love, more life. On September 18, we celebrate older adults living with HIV—and commit to dignity, access, and healing for all. ”

09/11/2025

Join researchers, scientists, and advocates from around the world for a 24-hour virtual event celebrating the incredible progress made through HIV research—and looking ahead to what’s next. We are proud to announce that the CFAR Associate Director Dr. Myron Cohen and the Clinical Core Director Dr. Joe Eron will be presenting alongside an esteemed international panel of experts. To read more about the event and register click here; https://www.med.unc.edu/cfar/2025/09/24-hours-to-save-aids-research-join-us-september-16/