Community Advisory Board

Each of our Clinical Trials Unit (CTU) sites has established a Community Advisory Board (CAB), a diverse group of volunteers, to provide community input into study design and local procedures. CAB members include community activists and/or professionals associated with HIV/AIDS prevention and services delivery. Some of our CAB members are trial participants. Many have considerable scientific sophistication or relevant professional training, while others have no medical or scientific background but have a strong interest in HIV prevention and the community.

CAB members at a CTU meeting

Together, the CABs fulfill the following roles:

  • Assist in the planning, development, and implementation of CTU research.
  • Assess community impact and ensure community concerns are considered.
  • Serve as a voice for the community and study participants.

CAB members at each site of the CTU help members of the general community to understand the science of HIV/AIDS and vaccines, as well as the methods of research and the clinical trials process. These discussions include candid conversations about fears and concerns related to government-sponsored research. Building strong relationships and a sense of trust between the CTU researchers and the community is crucial to the success of the CTU.

To learn more about joining our CAB, contact Tanisha Sullivan at tjorsli@emory.edu.