History and Objectives
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 2000 participants have attended. Each year, an average of 100 participants from approximately 25 different countries attend the course.
Emphasis on Cross-Disciplinary Training
Establishing familiarity with research perspectives outside of one’s own discipline provides young investigators with the tools for continued interdisciplinary learning and research collaboration. Further, granting agencies and review committees often emphasize an interdisciplinary approach to clinical investigation. This course aims to provide an overview of behavioral, clinical, epidemiological, statistical, operational, and pathogenesis research in STD/HIV.
The importance of cross-disciplinary STD and HIV research is growing; such approaches have become essential in research design and in obtaining research funding. The course duration has been limited to two weeks in order to encourage individuals who are establishing active research careers to attend.
Course faculty are international leaders in the field of STD/HIV research and come from the University of Washington as well as other research institutions in Seattle and across the globe. Faculty vary from year to year.
Objectives for the Course
- To introduce current and future investigators to critical research areas and questions in the field of STD/HIV;
- 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;
- To introduce trainees to the fundamentals of different disciplines involved in STD/HIV research in order to foster research collaborations; and
- To discuss strategies for successfully competing for research funds and publishing one’s work.
A combination of didactic lectures, pre-assigned reading, and interactive workshops integrating several areas of emphasis will be employed to encourage active discussion and hands-on practice of the material presented. A comprehensive syllabus and references will be provided following the course.