2027 Call for Self-Nominations: CIHR HIV/AIDS and STBBI Research Advisory Committee (CHASRAC)

CIHR is seeking individuals to join the CIHR HIV/AIDS and STBBI Research Advisory Committee (CHASRAC) as part of its 2026-2027 membership renewal cycle. The next review of nominations is anticipated for February 2027, therefore interested individuals are encouraged to submit their applications by January 15, 2027 to ensure consideration for participation in the 2027 Spring CHASRAC meeting.

In support of the Pan-Canadian STBBI Framework for Action and Canada's Action Plan on STBBI (Government of Canada's sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBI) action plan 2024-2030), the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is responsible for funding, management and oversight of strategic research with a primary focus on HIV/AIDS and/or other Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections (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 the Strategic Plan.

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, and include academic researchers from a range of disciplines, people with lived/living experience, and representatives from community organizations.

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 comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS and/or STBBI research, as well as a thorough understanding of the dynamics of Canadian HIV/AIDS and/or STBBI stakeholders and research communities.

Time Commitment and Compensation

CHASRAC meetings will be conducted two to three times a year. Meetings may be held virtually or in-person.

Service as an advisory member is voluntary. Members will be reimbursed at the Government of Canada rates for expenses incurred to attend in-person meetings, and Community representatives will be offered compensation, in recognition of their time commitment and expertise.

Membership

CHASRAC membership includes researchers and other representatives with experience in the core pillars of the Pan-Canadian STBBI Framework for Action (prevention, testing, initiation of care and treatment, and ongoing care and support) and other relevant theme areas in Canada and reflects as much as possible the diversity of HIV/AIDS and/or other STBBI research and affected communities.

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 and there is no limitation of individuals from underrepresented groups occupying the areas below):

• Research expertise in biomedical research including virology, immunology, and/or microbiology (3)
• Research expertise in population health, health services, and policy research (1;
• Research expertise in Community-Based Research (CBR) (1)
• Research expertise in mental health, addiction, stigma, and discrimination (1)
• Research expertise in sex and gender health, including expertise in 2SLGBTQI+ health (1)
• Research expertise in Indigenous Health, this individual must self-identify as a citizen or as a member of an Indigenous collective in Canada (1)
• Research expertise in health of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men communities (1)
• Research expertise in women's sexual and reproductive health (1)
• Research expertise in health of Black communities, this individual must self-identify as a Black person (1)
• Community representatives willing to bring the perspective of people with living/lived experience of long lasting STBBI such as HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C (2)
• Early-career investigator (1)

Review process

The composition of CHASRAC will reflect CIHR's commitment to equity by ensuring that membership of the committee has diverse representation to include Indigenous Peoples, racialized persons, women, persons living with disabilities, 2SLGBTQAI+ people, diverse regions of Canada, Anglophone and Francophone representation, and key population perspectives.  This commitment aligns with the CIHR's equity, diversity and inclusion, and Indigenous health research commitments and the Tri-Agency Equity Diversity Inclusion Action Plan, which prioritize equitable and inclusive access to research support and participation in the funding system.

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

Process for nominations

How to apply: Self-nominations for CHASRAC membership must be submitted in a GC Form document, which includes a self-identification questionnaire.

Self-identification provides information on the degree of diversity of the population applying to become a member of CHASRAC, and it will help CIHR increase the diversity of perspectives on its advisory bodies or committees. The aim of this self-identification data collection is to increase equitable and inclusive access to membership opportunities on CIHR advisory bodies or committees, as outlined in the Tri-Agency Equity Diversity Inclusion Action Plan.

• The completion of this questionnaire is strongly encouraged but is voluntary and optional. As always, respondents can select "I prefer not to answer" for all questions. If you choose not to disclose your self-identification information, you will not be disqualified from the process, however, it may impact the likelihood of being appointed to CHASRAC based on the factors described above.
• The information you provide in the self-identification questionnaire is collected under the authority of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Act. The collection, use, retention and disposal of your personal information are in accordance with the Access to Information and Privacy Acts

Please note the following:

• Candidates must submit a self-nomination through the GC Forms application, available here.
• Self-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.
• 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.

Self-nominations are being accepted throughout the year and will be stored in the database for consideration over the next 36 months. Interested individuals are encouraged to submit their applications by January 15, 2027 for consideration in the next review cycle.

Questions should be sent to the following email address: HIVAIDS-VIHSIDA@cihr-irsc.gc.ca.

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

Date modified:

2024-03-11