25th International Workshop on Long-term Complications of HIV and SARS-CoV-2

With the success of antiretroviral therapy (ART), comorbid diseases are now the leading causes of death and disability in people living with HIV around the globe, including in low- and middle- income countries (LMIC). Large meetings are important venues for scientific exchange regarding the latest advances in HIV Comorbidity research, but smaller, more intimate formats that emphasize discussion and networking are critical to the career development of HIV Comorbidity investigators. In addition, there is a need for a forum for scientific exchange regarding post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), a poorly understood syndrome which may share pathogenic features with HIV comorbidities and, as a result, has attracted the interest of many HIV Comorbidity researchers. Our workshop, now in its 25th year and renamed the International Workshop on Long-term Complications of HIV and SARS-CoV-2, provides <200 international delegates with an opportunity to come together to discuss the latest findings and controversies in HIV Comorbidity and PASC research in a one-room, two-day format. Plenary speakers are either noted experts from outside of HIV research or HIV researchers with expertise in a specific comorbidity. A highly interactive PASC roundtable, with 2 mini-talks, highlights critical and emerging issues in the pathogenesis and management of PASC. Abstract presentations including 24 15-minute talks and a poster session provide ample opportunity for researchers to present and get feedback on their latest work. With this R13, we propose to enhance the 25th Workshop (December 14th/15th at the NIH in Rockville, MD) with the following aims: 1) to provide a forum for the latest HIV Comorbidity research in LMIC by offering travel scholarships to LMIC investigators, supporting an internationally recognized expert in non-communicable diseases in LMIC as a plenary speaker, and liaising with international training programs, 2) to provide a continued and expanded forum for discussion and dissemination of the latest research findings regarding PASC, 3) to support early-stage HIV Comorbidity and PASC investigators with a highly innovative day-long Career Development Studio prior to the Workshop (December 13th). By providing a "scientific home" to HIV Comorbidity and PASC investigators from around the world, we hope to catalyze future research efforts in HIV Comorbidities and PASC and facilitate the translation of research findings into clinical strategies that can improve the lifespan and healthspan of PLWH and those with long COVID.