The mission of the Collaborative for HIV & STI Advancement through Multidisciplinary Partnerships (CHAMP) Scientific Working Group (SWG) is to unite clinicians, implementation scientists, and community partners in accelerating innovative, domestically focused research on HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). By blending peer mentoring with targeted pilot funding, CHAMP fosters cross-disciplinary collaborations to address persistent health disparities and bridge real-world gaps in care.
CHAMP advances the field by cultivating partnerships that integrate diverse expertise—from basic science to public health policy—and translating research into actionable strategies for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Through structured mentorship, collaborative seminars, and community engagement, CHAMP creates an environment where emerging and established investigators can develop impactful, equity-focused solutions to reduce the burden of HIV and STIs in the U.S.
The primary activities for the CHAMP SWG are:
- Host one in-person (with hybrid access) and two virtual seminars per year, each focused on a distinct topic under the SWG’s research umbrella, featuring guest speakers where possible.
- Conduct annual grant writing workshops—aligned with in-person seminars—offered in hybrid format and recorded for broad accessibility, with an emphasis on NIH funding strategies.
- Administer baseline and follow-up surveys for mentees and mentors to guide pairings, track progress, and strengthen professional relationships over the two-year period.
- Publish at least four manuscripts (1–2 per year) in peer-reviewed journals resulting from SWG collaborations, with early-stage UCLA and CDU investigators serving as lead authors on at least 2–3 publications.
- Secure at least one research award stemming from SWG-supported activities, publications, and collaborations by the end of Year 2.
The Aims of this Scientific Working Group are:
- Aim 1: Provide structured opportunities for knowledge exchange through annual in-person and virtual seminars that spotlight specific scientific fields and promote cross-disciplinary dialogue.
- Aim 2: Establish a robust mentorship program pairing early-stage investigators with senior mentors, informed by baseline and follow-up surveys to ensure alignment of skills, expertise, and goals.
- Aim 3: Support collaborative grant writing and funding acquisition through annual workshops, targeted training, and resource sharing to increase research competitiveness and impact.
- Aim 4: Generate high-quality, policy-relevant publications from SWG collaborations that highlight research findings, especially those focused on females—including pregnant and breastfeeding individuals—and populations receiving STI treatment and care.
Contact the SWG
Dr. Dvora Joseph Davey, SWG Director
dvoradavey@g.ucla.edu
Sign up to be added to the UCLA-CDU CFAR Listserv