Call for Nominations - CIHR HIV/AIDS and STBBI Research Advisory Committee (CHASRAC) (2021)

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).

At CIHR, we are committed to working with the health research community to identify and address barriers in the Canadian health research funding system. Our goal, as outlined in the CIHR Strategic Plan, is to create an equitable and barrier-free health research ecosystem and to support the diverse and inclusive culture that is known to promote world-class research.

As outlined in the Pan-Canadian Framework for Action Reducing the Health Impact of Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections in Canada by 2030, 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 Government of Canada Five-Year Action Plan on Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections [ PDF (1.66 MB) - external link ] was released to set out the Government of Canada’s priorities and the planned actions. 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 well as other initiatives addressing STBBI including but not limited to hepatitis B, hepatitis C, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and human papilloma virus.

About the committee

Mandate

CHASRAC 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.

Time Commitment and Compensation

CHASRAC meetings will be conducted two to three times a year. Meetings may be held virtually or in-person, following public health guidelines. For face-to-face meetings, CHASRAC-related travel and accommodation expenses will be covered by CIHR. Community representatives may be offered compensation, in recognition of their time commitment and expertise.

Membership

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.

Review process

Nominations will be reviewed by the Scientific Director, CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity and the CIHR Vice-President, Research Programs.

CHASRAC membership will reflect as much as possible the diversity of HIV/AIDS and/or other STBBI research and affected communities, including diverse gender, race, geographic and other key population perspectives. This commitment aligns with the Tri-Agency Equity Diversity Inclusion Action Plan (2018-2025) and the CIHR Strategic Plan (2021-2031), both of which prioritize equitable and inclusive access to research support and participation in the funding system.

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 other STBBI response and the perspective that the nominee will bring to the work of the Committee; and
• A short biographical sketch or curriculum vitae (limited to 5 pages) of the nominee.
• CIHR values diversity in its advisory committee and encourages candidates to self-identify as members of the following designated groups: women, visible minorities, Indigenous Peoples and persons with disabilities.

Please note the following:

• Nominations are sought for all theme areas with a particular emphasis on enhancing the diversity of the committee.
• At this time, we are specifically looking for community representatives willing to bring the perspective of people with living/lived experience of HIV/AIDS.
• Self-nominations will be considered.
• Successful nominees may be immediately appointed to CHASRAC or placed in an anticipatory pool for appointment within the next 36 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 to attend the CHASRAC meetings and to participate actively.
• Members are expected to represent the best interests of the HIV/AIDS and STBBI research community as a whole and not just their own particular research field or perspective.

All submission contents will be kept confidential and only used for CHASRAC membership selection.

The Call for Nominations will remain open for a total of 7 weeks, starting October 28, 2021 and ending December 17, 2021 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

Nominations and questions should be sent to the following email address: HIVAIDS-VIHSIDA@cihr-irsc.gc.ca. Applicants can also call 1‑888‑603‑4178 to find out how to apply in other ways (for communication in English press 1, for French press 2. After selecting a language, press 4 for general inquiries and to speak to a staff member).

While all applications are appreciated, only selected candidates will be contacted.

Date modified:

2021-10-28