The mission of the HIV Neurobehavioral Research Program (HNRP) is to initiate and promote translational NeuroAIDS research through the development, coordination and realization of multi-disciplinary studies.

ABOUT IRFN

Interdisciplinary Research Fellowship in NeuroAIDS (IRFN) is affiliated with the HIV Neurobehavioral Research Programs (HNRP) at the University of California San Diego (UCSD). The impetus for this educational program is driven by the idea that our future success in tackling the complex clinical disorders encountered in neuroAIDS depends on the availability of clinically-oriented researchers with training across relevant research disciplines. To this end, we have followed an interdisciplinary model of research training aimed at bridging the gaps left by single discipline approaches. Our program functions as a neuroAIDS-themed Special Institute emphasizing interdisciplinary and translational neuroAIDS research through three main programmatic components: an academic didactic program, a research component, and close mentoring by experts in the field, making available the talents of preclinical and clinically oriented neuroAIDS researchers at UCSD and affiliated regional institutions. The IRFN provides a clear progression for each fellow toward independence in order to consolidate their future success. Fellows will be learn to approach neuroAIDS research questions from an interdisciplinary and translational perspective, with potential clinical applications as an essential end point of their work. The research experiences of IRFN fellows will be in the laboratories of high-caliber, internationally recognized neuroAIDS researchers.

The program features: 

1. Outstanding faculty who have a long history of mentoring researchers to become independent investigators;
2. Research experiences that are tailored to each fellow's needs including access to external experts in their laboratories or invited onto campus;
3. Both fixed and flexible didactic experiences

Fellowship Goals

The Interdisciplinary Research Fellowship in NeuroAIDs (IRFN), with funding from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), provides training and mentoring to clinical and basic scientists interested in careers in neuroAIDS research.

Training experiences emphasize the interdisciplinary and translational nature of clinical problems in neuroAIDS in order to prepare future scientists to tackle emerging questions in the field.

The IRFN pairs trainees with mentors from clinical and basic science backgrounds according to their research interests, and provides a clinical literacy program in neuroAIDS for basic scientists.

IRFN Fellows are exposed to cutting-edge scientific environments and have contact with some of the most respected neuroAIDS researchers in the world.

Video Lectures

• IRFN Intro: A NIMH-Funded R25 Education Program – Mariana Cherner, PhD
• Central Nervous System Distribution of Antiretroviral Drugs – Scott Letendre, MD
• HIV Persistence, Reservoirs and Care – Ron Ellis, MD, PhD
• Interdisciplinary Research Fellowship in NeuroAIDS Seminar – Christine Fennema-Notestine, PhD
• Animal Models of NeuroAIDS & HAND – Marcus Kaul, PhD
• The cells that make you lose your nerves – Cecilia Marcondes, PhD
• The Role of the Microbiome in CNS Disorders – Scott Petterson, PhD
• Clinical HIV and Therapies – Sara Gianella Weibel, MD
• HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Impairment in Hispanics/Latinos – Maria Marquine, PhD
• IRFN 2020 Graduation Event

How to Apply

The New Investigator Engagement Program recruits, supports, and follows the progress of graduate students, postdoctoral (Ph.D. or M.D.) fellows, and junior faculty in disciplines relevant to HNRC research. The objectives of the program is to assist enrollees with research training and experience in neuroAIDS through:

1. Matching of trainees with appropriate faculty mentors and monitoring the process to encourage effective interactions and career development;
2. Referral to and support for formal courses in methodology directly relevant to their research projects;
3. Mentoring in the design, data collection, analysis, presentation and publication of research studies and in the process of developing and submitting peer reviewed grant proposals;
4. Small grants or other aid to support their HNRC-related projects.

   Read more ...

Address:
220 Dickinson Street, Suite B, MC8231
San Diego, CA 92103-8231

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: (619) 543-5000
Fax: (619) 543-1235

Click on map to link to directions:

Igor Grant, M.D., F.R.C.P.(C), Director of the HIV Neurobehavioral Research Program (HNRP)

Igor Grant, M.D., is Professor of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine. He is Director of the HIV Neurobehavioral Research Program (HNRP), which includes the California NeuroAIDS Tissue Network (CNTN), the Translational Methamphetamine AIDS Research Center (TMARC), the HIV Neurobehavioral Research Center (HNRC), the CNS HIV Antiretroviral Therapy Effects Research (CHARTER) and the University of California Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research (CMCR). Dr. Grant is the founding Editor of the Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society and founding co-editor of the journal AIDS and Behavior.

Investigators

AVAILABLE STUDIES

The HIV Neurobehavioral Research Program (HNRP) at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) is conducting research into the effects and treatments of HIV infection and co-occurring conditions (for example, Hepatitis C).

You may be eligible to participate in one or more of these research studies. Benefits of participation vary but may include test results, treatments and/or compensation. All personal information is strictly confidential. Study participation is voluntary.

For further details about any of our studies, please call (619) 543-5000 and ask to speak with a recruiter or email study staff at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (please do not email personal health information).

**Click here to see available studies**

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

If you are experiencing any mental health difficulties or are in need of services related to sexually transmitted diseases or alcohol or substance use, please refer to this list of local mental health resources. This list provides contact information for numerous organizations that specialize in treatment, rehabilitation and recovery services for those experiencing persistent and severe mental health issues and/or a behavioral health crisis, as well as housing and referral services.

Learn More about Mental Health Resources offered in the Community by downloading the PDF below:
Mental Health Resources PDF in English
Mental Health Resources PDF in Spanish