Call for Nominations – CIHR HIV/AIDS Community-Based Research Steering Committee

The CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity is seeking a qualified individual to replace one member of the CIHR HIV/AIDS Community-Based Research (CBR) Steering Committee and invites nominations for potential candidates in the category of HIV/AIDS Aboriginal Community-based researcher.Background

“Community-based Research” (CBR) refers to research processes which are, to various degrees, driven by, or responsive to, the needs and interests of a specific community. CBR is a form of research in which principles of community involvement and collaboration are applied using scientifically accepted research methods. The research must demonstrate direct community involvement, community relevance, equity in partnerships and methodological rigour.

The Institute of Infection and Immunity identified HIV/AIDS as one of its priority research areas and is committed to leading a process which will enable CIHR to systematically examine and act on HIV/AIDS research priorities. To ensure continuity and informed decision making, distinct committees have been established to provide advice on various aspects of the HIV/AIDS Research Initiative. The HIV/AIDS CBR Steering Committee was established in June 2006 to help guide the future development of the HIV/AIDS Community-based Research (CBR) Program and make recommendations to the CIHR HIV/AIDS Research Advisory Committee (CHARAC). CHARAC is a standing committee which provides advice to the CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity Advisory Board regarding strategic initiatives in HIV/AIDS research and the development of future targeted Requests for Applications (RFA).

Committee Mandate and Structure

The mandate of the HIV/AIDS CBR Steering Committee is to help guide future development of the HIV/AIDS CBR Program and make recommendations to the CHARAC and CIHR regarding future CBR Requests for Applications. This Committee will help to guide the program and ensure the goals of the HIV/AIDS CBR program are supported by appropriate policies and programs.

To ensure the appropriate expertise and knowledge is available to the Committee, membership includes HIV/AIDS CBR researchers, representatives from HIV/AIDS community organizations, a CBR Facilitator, the Public Health Agency of Canada as well as a representative from the CIHR Institute of Aboriginal Peoples’ Health. Collectively, its members bring an in depth knowledge of community-based research, an ability to make recommendations on research policies and programs that would be supported by CIHR, an understanding of the relationship dynamics between researchers and communities affected by HIV/AIDS, and a capacity to act as a champion for HIV/AIDS researchers and communities living with and vulnerable to HIV/AIDS.

The current membership of the CIHR HIV/AIDS CBR Steering Committee is as follows:

General Stream:
Robb Travers, Ontario HIV Treatment Network – Co-Chair
Catherine Worthington, CHARAC representative, University of Calgary
Shelley Cleverley, Community-based Research Facilitator representative, Ontario AIDS Network
Roy Cain, McMaster University

Aboriginal Stream:
Charlotte Loppie, Dalhousie University – Co-Chair
Art Zoccole, 2 Spirited People of the 1st Nations
Judith Mill, University of Alberta
Leona Quewezance, All Nations Hope

Ex-officio:
Paula Kirton, Institute of Infection and Immunity
Namaste Marsden, Institute of Aboriginal Peoples’ Health
Nina Arron, Public Health Agency of Canada
Olivier Robledo, Deputy Director, CIHR Targeted Initiative Branch

Process

At the present time, nominations are being sought for:

1 HIV/AIDS Aboriginal Community-based researcher

Nominations for individuals for CBR Steering Committee are invited from all stakeholders and must include a brief (250 word) rationale for the nomination and a short biographical sketch or curriculum vitae. The rationale should make reference to qualifications, expertise and/or previous contributions to HIV/AIDS CBR in an Aboriginal setting, and indicate the perspective that the nominee will bring to the work of the Committee. Contact information for both the nominator and the nominee(s) must be included with the nomination documents.

Deadline for receipt of nominations is Monday February 2nd, 2009.

Nominations should be addressed to:

Chaidwick Leneis
HIV/AIDS Research Initiative
CIHR-Institute of Infection and Immunity
Room 97, 160 Elgin Street,
Address locator: 4809A
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0W9
Email: chaidwick.leneis@cihr-irsc.gc.ca