September 18 - 20, 2012
Providence, Rhode Island

The goal of the 2012 Joint Symposium on HIV Research in Women is to identify gaps in knowledge in research on HIV and women and to develop strategies that will move the field forward. In order to accomplish this goal we will generate collaborative activity between CFARs and other research networks highlighting cutting edge science and promote opportunities for young investigators.
The conference is divided into three sessions:

• Prevention of HIV in Women session will target issues related to biomedical prevention opportunities, rollout of efficacy trials, ART for prevention and HIV treatment during a woman's lifespan.
• Reproductive Health session will target fertility issues, contraception issues, HIV transmission in discordant couples and issues related to periconception pre-exposure prophylaxis.
• Health Disparities & Social Vulnerabilities of Women session will target community engagement, access to and retention in care, adherence to therapy, gender disparities, HIV in older women, adolescents, minority women, social & structural issues - participation in clinical trials, food security, nutrition, and behavioral issues/change.

In addition, there will be two opportunities for networking:

• An evening of mentoring is scheduled the night prior to the conference (September 18 from 6:30pm-8:00pm). Senior faculty members will be available to meet with junior faculty to discuss topics such as balancing work and personal life/family, Grant writing and Grant Opportunities, Manuscript Writing, and developing careers in Global Health. Light refreshments will be provided.
• A poster session is scheduled Wednesday night, September 19 from 6:00-8:00pm. The evening will start with oral presentations on exceptional posters. Accepted posters will be on display. Light refreshments will be provided.