Centers for AIDS Research (CFAR) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Pathway Initiative (CDEIPI): Developing Career Pathways for Early-Stage Scholars From Racial and Ethnic Groups Underrepresented in HIV Science and Medicine.

BACKGROUND: There is an urgent need to increase diversity among scientific investigators in the HIV research field to be more reflective of communities highly affected by the HIV epidemic. Thus, it is critical to promote the inclusion and advancement of early-stage scholars from racial and ethnic groups underrepresented in HIV science and medicine. METHODS: To widen the HIV research career pathway for early-stage scholars from underrepresented minority groups, the National Institutes of Health supported the development of the Centers for AIDS Research (CFAR) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Pathway Initiative (CDEIPI). This program was created through partnerships between CFARs and Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other Minority Serving Institutions throughout the United States. RESULTS: Seventeen CFARs and more than 20 Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Serving Institutions have participated in this initiative to date. Programs were designed for the high school (8), undergraduate (13), post baccalaureate (2), graduate (12), and postdoctoral (4) levels. Various pedagogical approaches were used including didactic seminar series, intensive multiday workshops, summer residential programs, and mentored research internship opportunities. During the first 18 months of the initiative, 257 student scholars participated in CDEIPI programs including 150 high school, 73 undergraduate, 3 post baccalaureate, 27 graduate, and 4 postdoctoral students. CONCLUSION: Numerous student scholars from a wide range of educational levels, geographic backgrounds, and racial and ethnic minority groups have engaged in CDEIPI programs. Timely and comprehensive program evaluation data will be critical to support a long-term commitment to this unique training initiative.

Building Indigenuity, Generating HIV Science: An HIV/AIDS Research Training Program for Undergraduate and Graduate Indigenous Scholars (BIG HART).

INTRODUCTION: Although great heterogeneity and resilience exist among American Indians and Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders, and Indigenous Latinx Populations across the United States, epidemiological data demonstrate these groups share a troubling commonality with respect to persistent health inequities, including HIV. A strong network of highly trained and productive Indigenous scientists dedicated to research that is culturally grounded is one component of a multifaceted approach that would contribute to ameliorating HIV-related disparities among Indigenous populations. METHODS: Building on the only long-standing Indigenous-specific HIV/AIDS mentorship program in the United States-the Indigenous HIV/AIDS Research Training Program and with support from the CFAR Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Pathway Initiative, the University of Washington/Fred Hutch CFAR developed and launched the Building Indigenuity, Generating HIV Science: HIV/AIDS Research Training Program (BIG HART) to introduce undergraduate and graduate Indigenous scholars to the field of HIV research. RESULTS: The BIG HART program includes a seminar series to introduce undergraduate and graduate Indigenous scholars to the field of HIV research, opportunities to connect scholars with Indigenous mentors and provide networking opportunities to facilitate training opportunities related to HIV science, and complementary training for mentors to enhance their knowledge and training related to mentoring across difference, with a specific focus on mentoring Indigenous scholars. CONCLUSIONS: The BIG HART program is an important starting point toward building a sustainable program to attract Indigenous scholars in the field of HIV and grow and empower the next generation of Indigenous HIV scientists.