As a chartered University Research Center, the CFAR provides focus and coordination for basic and clinical AIDS research activities to ensure effective dialogue between administrators and investigators. Towards this end, the Center provides the necessary infrastructure in the form of Core facilities, equipment, administrative and technical support to foster collaboration and research.

The Center for AIDS Research at the University of Alabama at Birmingham has moved towards implementing these goals by providing, supporting, and encouraging a highly interactive, multidisciplinary and multi-faceted approach to the study of HIV and AIDS.

The Interdisciplinary Research Groups (IRGs) are the primary mechanism employed to convert the Scientific Agenda into action. The IRGs are charged with developing specific, achievable objectives based on synergies identified between bench scientists and clinicians for the study of HIV/AIDS. After determining a new key area of scientific focus, meetings are convened that bring interested investigators together. An action plan will be developed for the group and include suggestions for internal UAB workshops and invitations to external experts that could be enlisted for seminars/consultation. Opportunities for pilot funding through the Developmental core will help provide the necessary preliminary studies for successful applications to NIH sponsored RFAs.

Translating our discoveries into AIDS prevention and awareness programs for the community are equally important missions of the CFAR.