Other: HIV/AIDS & STBBI Clinical Trials Research Network – Phase 1

The specific objectives of this funding opportunity are to:

• Strengthen capacity for clinical trials research in STBBI by establishing a network with pan-Canadian governance that advances a diverse and inclusive leadership model and by leveraging partnerships with other Canadian and international clinical trial networks;
• Advance a community-centred approach to clinical trials research by ensuring meaningful engagement of community members and People with Lived and Living Experience (PWLLE) throughout the entire research process, including in research priority-setting, leading to more relevant, applicable and timely solutions for populations at greatest risk of STBBI in Canada and abroad;
• Mobilize knowledge amongst decision makers, health practitioners, PWLLE, communities, industry, Indigenous communities and HIV/AIDS and STBBI researchers in Canada and abroad in both official languages to enhance, share and foster equitable benefit of evidence-based interventions;
• Develop skills and methodology for the future of clinical trials research by establishing the framework for an interdisciplinary training and mentoring network, baseline activities for training across the Teams and a vision and appropriate capacity to support expanded activities through the anticipated Phase 2 training and mentoring platforms;
• Improve Health Equity by advancing equitable access to participation in clinical trials with a focus on key populations, and by supporting clinical trials research and interventions that address and reduce the impact of stigma, racism, homophobia, transphobia, sexism and other forms of discrimination and systemically entrenched oppression;
• Advance commitments towards Truth and Reconciliation by upholding the rights and priorities of Indigenous Peoples, including through Indigenous-led research, respecting self-determination, and supporting distinction-based approaches.