Call for Nominations - CIHR HIV/AIDS and STBBI Research Advisory Committee (CHASRAC) (2023)

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). CHASRAC plays a vital role within CIHR through its mandate to provide advice regarding HIV/AIDS and STBBI research programs and priorities. Members come from diverse areas of expertise, including academic researchers from a range of disciplines, people with lived/living experience, and community organizations.

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. In line with the Government of Canada Five-Year Action Plan on Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections, CIHR is responsible for funding, management and oversight of  strategic research with a primary focus on HIV/AIDS and/or other STBBI through the HIV/AIDS and STBBI Research Initiative. This includes, but is not limited to, research on: human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV), chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and human papilloma virus (HPV). Information on the strategic directions that have been established for the CIHR HIV/AIDS and STBBI Research Initiative can be found in our Strategic Plan.

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) who are based in Canada and have 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 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, 2SLGBTQ+ persons and persons with disabilities.
• Individuals who self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit or Métis) or have meaningful and culturally safe research involvement with Indigenous Peoples must complete the Indigenous Self-Identification Form [ PDF (823 KB) ].

Please note the following:

• Nominations are sought for all theme areas listed in the Membership section.
• Successful nominees for all theme areas may be immediately appointed to CHASRAC or placed in an anticipatory pool for appointment within the next 36 months.
• At this time, priority may be given to nominations for:
  • members with a strong research expertise in virology/immunology/microbiology; and/or
  • members who self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit or Métis) and/or provide evidence of having meaningful and culturally safe research involvement with Indigenous Peoples.
• Self-nominations will be considered.
• 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 8 weeks, starting February 1, 2023 and ending March 31, 2023 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:

2023-03-21