About The Course

The Annual Course on Principles of STD and HIV Research was first held in 1993 with the aim of offering an intensive overview of the skills needed to pursue a research career in the field of STD. Since then, more than 1080 participants have attended. The course is funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, industry sponsors, and the NIH Sexually Transmitted Infections-Topical Microbicides Cooperative Research Centers. It is co-sponsored by the Centers for AIDS Research.

Emphasis on Cross-Disciplinary Training

The importance of cross-disciplinary STD and HIV research is growing; such approaches have become essential in research design and in obtaining research funding. Establishing familiarity with research perspectives outside one's own discipline provides young investigators with the tools for continued interdisciplinary learning and collaboration, and for avoiding an overly narrow 'tunnel vision' of the scope of investigative possibilities. This course offers introductory training in behavioral, clinical, epidemiologic, statistical and pathogenesis research by providing a practically oriented overview of the language and skills common to these broad disciplines. The course duration has been limited to two weeks in order to encourage individuals who are establishing active research careers to attend.

The Objectives of the Course are:

1. To introduce current and future investigators to critical research areas and questions in the field of STD/HIV;

2. To expose investigators to the research techniques and tools needed to conduct scientifically sound studies, including study design, experimental approach, production of instruments for data collection, and methods for data analysis;

3. To introduce trainees to the fundamentals of different disciplines involved in STD/HIV research in order to foster research collaborations; and

4. To discuss strategies for successfully competing for research funds and publishing one's work.

The course will integrate elements of several essential tracks:

Research Issues with Clinical Implications in STD
Pathogenesis of STD
STD/HIV Epidemiology, Prevention and Public Health
Principles of Epidemiology and Biostatistics for STD and HIV Research
Issues in Behavioral Research in STD
Research Issues in HIV Infection

As depicted in the tentative agenda, a combination of didactic lectures, panel discussions, pre-assigned reading and interactive workshops will be employed to encourage active discussion and hands-on practice of the material presented. A comprehensive syllabus and references will be provided.

Who Should Attend

The course is appropriate for individuals interested in pursuing research activities in the field of STD and HIV. Some familiarity with the basic vocabulary of the field is required and most participants have been post-doctoral trainees. Specifically, the following persons would benefit from this course:

MDs in research fellowship programs, particularly in infectious diseases
PhDs or pre-doctoral candidates interested in the biology, epidemiology, behavioral or health services aspects of STD/HIV
Public health officials (US and international) involved in STD/HIV research
Junior faculty with research interest in STD/HIV

Accommodations

Hotel and dormitory accommodations are available. This link will take you to a list of hotels in the University area, all within approximately 20 minutes walk of the course site.

A limited number of dorm rooms will also be available through Conference Housing. The dormitory is a spare but economical choice for lodging, which includes your room, a shared bathroom, and a meal card for your meal purchases at designated University dining locations. Detailed on-campus lodging information will be included in the course confirmation letter.

Each participant is responsible for securing and paying for their accommodations. For more information, please call (206) 731-4630 or E-mail rmohr@u.washington.edu. Disability Accommodations: Contact the Disabilities Services Office at least 10 days in advance at (206) 543-6450 (voice); (206) 543-6452 (TTY); (206) 685-3885 (fax), or E-mail access@u.washington.edu.

Recreation

The Seattle area offers a variety of recreational activities. On the University of Washington campus, you can tour the Burke Museum, featuring the natural and cultural heritage of the Pacific Rim, enjoy the golf driving range or rent a canoe or rowboat on scenic Lake Washington. Just off campus you'll find the Museum of History and Industry and the Washington Park Arboretum, with its Japanese Tea Garden. Call the UW Visitor Information Center at (206) 543-9198 for more information. In downtown Seattle, popular attractions include the Pike Place Market, the Space Needle at the Seattle Center, the Seattle Art Museum and the world-class Benaroya Symphony Hall. Baseball fans can watch the Seattle Mariners play at Safeco Field. If you enjoy being on the water, there are harbor tours of the Seattle waterfront and surrounding lakes, as well as all day excursions through the beautiful San Juan Islands. Call the Seattle Visitors Bureau at (206) 461-5800 for more information.

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