Research Networks

The AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) network works to develop and conduct scientifically rigorous translational research and clinical trials to (1) investigate the viral and immune pathogenesis of HIV-1 infection and its complications; (2) evaluate novel drugs and strategies for treating HIV-1 infection; (3) evaluate interventions and strategies to treat and prevent HIV-related co-infections and co-morbidity, and; (4) publish and disseminate results to improve care, and reduce or eliminate morbidity and mortality associated with HIV-1 infection and its complications.

The Antiretroviral Therapy Cohort Collaboration (ART-CC) is a long-standing international collaboration, including 19 cohorts in Europe and North America. ART-CC was initiated with the aim of studying the prognosis for clinical events in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and the mortality of adult patients treated for HIV-1 infection. The ART-CC data base now includes data on more than 100,000 patients.

The Caribbean, Central and South America network for HIV epidemiology (CCASAnet) brings together the expertise and resources of Vanderbilt University and clinical and research sites in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico and Peru. The goal of the CCASAnet project is to create a shared repository of HIV data from Central and South America and the Caribbean, and use the combined data to answer questions about the characteristics of the regional HIV epidemic.

The International Epidemiologic Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) network is an international research consortium established in 2006 by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to perform observational cohort studies and outcomes research of HIV/AIDS and co-morbidity. IeDEA includes HIV/AIDS cohorts from seven international regionas, including four in Africa, and one each in the Asia-Pacific region, the Central/South America/Caribbean region, and North America.

The North American AIDS Cohort Collaboration on Research and Design (NA-ACCORD) is part of the International epidemiologic Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA). NA-ACCORD is designed to be widely representative of HIV care in the United States and Canada, includes investigators who have a high level of scientific expertise and clinical experience, and has an efficient structure for harmonization of data and the conduct of analyses.The Vanderbilt Comprehensive Care Clinic (CCC) participates in NA-ACCORD.

The Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH) facilitates the expansion and coordination of global health research, service and training initiatives at Vanderbilt University, and reflects the university’s commitment to improve health services and outcomes in resource limited settings. Its “center-without-walls” philosophy nurtures noncompetitive partnerships among and within departments and schools on campus, and with partner institutions around the globe.

CFAR Center for AIDS Research

The mission of the Tennessee CFAR is to coordinate institutional and community resources and focus efforts on high-priority targets to most effectively reduce the burden of HIV/AIDS and to generalize these benefits nationally and globally.

The Vanderbilt Tuberculosis Center is a focal point for collaborative efforts and tuberculosis research with an emphasis on epidemiology, clinical trials, and translational research. The Center works to cultivate and mentor junior faculty members, fellows, and students from Vanderbilt University, Meharry Medical College, and collaborating health departments and international institutions. The Center also provides technical assistance to the Vanderbilt-linked global and local service programs engaged in TB control: the Metro Nashville Public Health Department, the Tennessee Department of Health, and the President's Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)/Global Health Initiatives in Africa, Asia, and the Americas.