Division of AIDS (DIAIDS) Rockville, Maryland June 25-27, 1996

* Overview

* Accomplishments & Future Directions

* Panel Recommendations

* Appendix I

An 18-member ad hoc External Review Panel, chaired by Dr. James Curran, met June 25-27, 1996, to review the Division of AIDS (DAIDS) HIV Network for Prevention Trials (HIVNET) program and to make recommendations to the Directors of DAIDS and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). A list of the panel members is attached in appendix I.

This review was part of an overall review process intended to provide recommendations to improve the quality, direction, and extent of research in DAIDS. In addition, the NIH AIDS Research Program Evaluation Task Force of the Office of AIDS Research (OAR) Advisory Council recommended that the HIVNET program's organization, governance, research, and funding be reviewed during 1996 by a panel of extramural experts in behavioral, social, epidemiological, prevention, pathogenesis, treatment, and vaccine research.

The panel's specific charge was to assess HIVNET's accomplishments and future plans in the context of HIV prevention research at the NIAID and NIH. Although consideration of any aspect of the HIVNET program was encouraged, the panel was asked to consider the following questions:

* Is HIVNET's research plan scientifically sound and properly focused?

* Has the HIVNET assembled the scientific expertise needed to carry out its research agenda? Does HIVNET have the flexibility and/or mechanisms to obtain additional expertise when needed?

* Does the structure and governance of HIVNET allow for effective scientific leadership and design and implementation of high-quality prevention clinical trials? Is there appropriate scientific peer review of HIVNET studies?

* Is the funding level of HIVNET appropriate given its mission and research plan?

* What is your assessment of HIVNET's research accomplishments and scientific productivity to date?

* How can HIVNET best facilitate collaborations with qualified researchers outside of the HIVNET for important studies on HIV pathogenesis and transmission?

* What recommendations do you have for strengthening the HIVNET program?

960625
NI960601