CIHR HIV/AIDS and STBBI Research Initiative

**Vision, Mission and Cross-Cutting Principles** **Vision** Research excellence that reduces the incidence and improves the management of HIV/AIDS and STBBI, eliminates stigma and discrimination and has a transformative and equitable impact on the lives of people living with and at risk of acquiring HIV/AIDS and STBBI. **Mission** To strengthen and support a diverse, inclusive and collaborative research community that applies community-based, holistic and inter- and transdisciplinary approaches to create and mobilize knowledge for better and equitable prevention, testing, treatment and care of HIV/AIDS and STBBI in Canada and around the world. **Cross-Cutting Principles** Our approach to research, strengthening capacity and mobilizing knowledge will uphold the values outlined in the CIHR Strategic Plan 2021–2031: excellence and leadership, commitment to collaboration, respect for people and integrity and accountability. Further, all our decisions, strategies and actions will embed a focus on: Inclusive Research Excellence: Sustain our commitment to scientific excellence by advancing a more inclusive concept of research excellence that values not only traditional measures of academic impact, but also multiple ways of knowing, collaboration, mentorship, community engagement, knowledge mobilization and other contributions that enhance research in the HIV/AIDS and STBBI field. Engagement of People with Living and Lived Experience (PWLE): Emphasize greater involvement and meaningful engagement of people with living and lived experience of HIV/AIDS and STBBI, throughout the research and knowledge mobilization processes to shape priorities, approaches and outcomes. Health Equity: Advance a rights-based and anti-racist approach by focusing on research and innovation that will achieve more equitable health benefits particularly for communities experiencing marginalization and oppression. Holistic Concept of Health: Valuing the cultures, beliefs and knowledge systems that underpin both Indigenous and Western concepts of health, our research approaches will recognize multiple dimensions of health—including physical, emotional, social and spiritual—and the distinct experiences, needs and expectations at every stage of life. Truth and Reconciliation: Commit to research and knowledge mobilization approaches that address the needs of Indigenous Peoples by prioritizing Indigenous-led research, fostering self-determination, and enabling distinction-based approaches.