17th International Workshop on Aging & HIV

About This Grant

Project Summary Due to the success of antiretroviral therapy (ART), people living with HIV (PLWH) now have life expectancies similar to those of people without HIV (PWoH). As PLWH live to older ages, they become susceptible to numerous aging-related diseases, and there is abundant evidence that these occur at earlier ages (chronologically) than in the general population or in demographically similar PwoH. This earlier occurrence has posed a major challenge to the clinical care of PLWH- both in knowing what the optimal care is, and in delivering it. These are major problems worldwide, but especially in resource-limited settings. While large meetings are important venues for scientific exchange regarding the latest knowledge on the care of PLWH as they age, there is a compelling need for smaller meetings that facilitate the personal discussions, learning, and networking that are critical to effective dissemination of advances and to the career development of early-stage investigators in the field of HIV and aging. Since 2010, the International Workshop on Aging & HIV has addressed this important need annually, bringing together 140-200 international delegates to discuss the latest findings and controversies in the biology of aging as it is affected by HIV and in methods for incorporating these into the delivery of clinical care to often challenging populations. The Workshop has traditionally been held in one site over two days (although a 3- day virtual format was used in 2021 and 2022 because of COVID-19, and a hybrid format has been used since 2023), with expert plenary speakers either from pertinent areas outside of HIV research or performing research or care on PLWH, and oral and poster presentations based on submitted abstracts. Also included are interactive panel discussions with audience involvement; short talks dealing with topical issues in these areas, guided tours of related posters, and sessions specifically devoted to mentoring young investigators. Researchers receive ample feedback and evaluation on their work. This R13 application proposes the following aims to enhance the 17th International Workshop on Aging & HIV, which will be held in hybrid format on Oct. 15- 16, 2026 in a site that is still being determined: 1) To provide scholarships to trainees and investigators who need financial support to attend the Workshop, especially those from resource-limited settings; and 2) To provide support for experts who need financial support to give plenary lectures at the Workshop. Funding of this application will greatly enhance the reach of the attendance at the Workshop, which in turn will facilitate dissemination of expertise and experience globally and translation of research findings into clinical strategies that can improve the lifespan and healthspan of PLWH everywhere now and for years to come.