ABOUT SAN DIEGO CENTER FOR AIDS RESEARCH

The San Diego Center for AIDS Research (SD CFAR) is one of several Centers funded by the National Institutes of Health to further HIV research in U.S. academic institutions.
The San Diego Center for AIDS Research (SD CFAR) is a leading regional resource for HIV research and education. Established in 1994 through a grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), SD CFAR has supported laboratory scientists, clinicians, and the public for over three decades.
The mission of the SD CFAR is to drive HIV discoveries and foster cutting-edge research by San Diego investigators to improve the lives of people living with HIV and to stop new infections, both locally and globally.
Our objective is to make a meaningful impact on HIV research by supporting local investigators through:

  • Basic research on molecular pathogenesis and immunopathogenesis.
  • Translational research that applies basic science insights to develop therapies and vaccines.
  • Clinical research addressing key scientific and medical challenges.
  • Leadership and adaptability to coordinate efforts, enhance efficiency, and drive innovation across these areas.

We offer nine core services providing specialized laboratory and clinical resources, along with internal grants and scientific seminars on HIV and global health. Most seminars are open to the public.
Our Center is guided by an Executive Committee, an External Advisory Committee, and an administrative team, with valuable input from our members. Membership is open to faculty at UC San Diego and five other research institutions, with community membership available to staff and anyone interested in HIV research. We encourage you to explore our core services and grant opportunities.
Visit the National Institutes of Health Centers for AIDS Research (CFAR) page to learn more about the national CFAR program.

SD CFAR PARTNER INSTITUTIONS

San Diego State University
Scripps Research
La Jolla Institute for Immunology
University of California San Diego

SD CFAR’s GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Our Center follows a set of guiding principles to inform decision-making and drive all activities:

Communicate clearly

Effective communication fosters collaboration across member institutions.

Plan strategically

Thoughtful growth and resource allocation maximize impact.

Engage the community

Community input strengthens research and Center initiatives.

Act responsibly

Fiscal responsibility ensures sustainability; personal accountability builds trust.

Support new investigators

Emerging researchers drive discoveries and help end the HIV epidemic.

Maintain transparency

Open and visible processes build trust among members.

Optimize resources

Efficient use of resources expands scientific opportunities.

Uphold ethics

Ethical research and management practices establish credibility.

Promote justice

A community-centered approach enhances HIV research.

Stay curious

Continuous learning leads to new discoveries.

Empower global research

International HIV research strengthens local sustainability.

Collaborate

Teams accomplish more together than individuals alone.

Proposition 209 and the University of California Anti-Discrimination Policy
All programs and initiatives coordinated by the San Diego Center for AIDS Research and its units are designed and implemented in full compliance with Proposition 209 and the University of California Anti-Discrimination Policy. More information about Proposition 209 can be found here. More information about the University of California Anti-Discrimination Policy can be found here.

Land Acknowledgment
The San Diego CFAR holds great respect for the land and the original people of the area where our Center is located. The University of California San Diego was built upon the unceded territory of the Kumeyaay Nation. Today, the Kumeyaay people continue to maintain their political sovereignty and cultural traditions as vital members of the San Diego community. We are honored to share this space with them and we thank them for their stewardship of Mat Kulaaxuuy / Eng: La Jolla, CA.