Call for Nominations - CIHR HIV/AIDS and STBBI Research Advisory Committee (CHASRAC) (2019)

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is seeking individuals to join the CIHR HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections (STBBI) Research Advisory Committee (CHASRAC).

Background

CIHR is responsible for the management and oversight of the research component of the Government of Canada initiative in HIV/AIDS, namely the Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS in Canada. As outlined in Reducing the Health Impact of Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections in Canada by 2030: A Pan-Canadian Framework for Action, released on July 8, 2018, Canada has adopted an integrated approach to HIV and STBBI across the full continuum of prevention, testing, initiation of care and treatment and ongoing care and support. On July 17, 2019, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Canada’s Minister of Health announced the release of the Government of Canada Five-Year Action Plan on Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections.

In keeping with the directions provided by the Government of Canada Five-Year Action Plan on STBBI, the Federal Initiative is moving towards an integrated approach to HIV and STBBI research. As such, the CIHR HIV/AIDS Research Advisory Committee (formerly CHARAC) will now seek to integrate people with expertise and experience in Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections (STBBI) among its membership. CIHR is launching the CHASRAC call for nominations to ensure that the membership of this advisory committee further encompasses the appropriate expertise and experience.

The committee has a mandate to provide advice to CIHR regarding research programs and priorities for HIV/AIDS and STBBI. Membership on CHASRAC requires a comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS and/or STBBI research, as well as a thorough understanding of the dynamics of the Canadian HIV/AIDS and/or STBBI stakeholder and research community.

Face-to-face meetings of the CHASRAC will occur two to three times a year in Canadian locations. CHASRAC travel and accommodation expenses will be covered by CIHR.

The membership of CHASRAC includes 12 members (including the Chair, not including ex-officio members) with a collective expertise in the following theme areas (one member may have expertise in more than one theme area):

  • Research expertise in virology/immunology/microbiology;
  • Research expertise in Community-Based Research (CBR);
  • Research expertise in mental health, addiction, stigma and discrimination;
  • Research expertise in sex and gender health;
  • Research expertise in population health, health services and policy research;
  • Research experience in Indigenous Health;
  • Research expertise in gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men’s health;
  • Research expertise in black people of African and Caribbean background’s health;
  • Community representatives willing to bring the perspective of people with living/lived experience of long lasting STBBI such as HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C;
  • Community representatives working with or living with people affected by HIV/AIDS and/or other STBBI;
  • Early-career investigator.

CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC (the agencies), under the leadership of the Canada Research Coordinating Committee (CRCC), have developed an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan. This plan outlines the collective work to be undertaken to enhance equitable and inclusive access to research support and participation in the funding system, including a commitment to ensure that our peer review panels and advisory and governance committees are representative, inclusive and diverse.

Process for nominations

Nominations for CHASRAC membership do not need to be submitted on a specific form. Nominations are to be submitted in Word or PDF document and should include:

  • The name of the nominee and contact information;
  • The name of the nominator and contact information (if applicable);
  • A brief rationale for the nomination (limited to 250 words). The rationale should make reference to qualifications, expertise, previous contributions to the HIV/AIDS and/or STBBI response and the perspective that the nominee will bring to the work of the Committee;
  • A short biographical sketch or curriculum vitae (limited to 5 pages) of the nominee.

Please note the following:

  • Nominations are sought for all theme areas.
  • Self-nominations will be considered.
  • Nominations will be reviewed and successful nominees may be immediately appointed to CHASRAC or placed in an anticipatory pool for appointment within the next 12 months.
  • Individuals will be appointed to CHASRAC for a three-year term with an option of up to a three-year renewal.
  • Members are expected represent the best interests of the HIV/AIDS STBBI research community as a whole and not just their own particular research field or perspective

Please submit nominations, or any questions, to HIVAIDS-VIHSIDA@cihr-irsc.gc.ca

The deadline for receipt of nominations is October 25, 2019.

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