PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT – SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE (SBS) CORE (CORE G) The Social and Behavioral Science Core facilitates the investigation of social, psychological, and structural factors affecting the HIV epidemic by providing a broad spectrum of social and behavioral science research services; mentoring junior investigators and investigators new to HIV research; and creating and strengthening research partnerships through networking tools and events. The Core is led by the Director, Dr. Carol Golin, Associate Director, Dr. Bill Zule, and Dr. Felicia Brown will be joining the Core as an Assistant Director. The Core utilizes a unique staffing structure that incorporates the diverse areas of expertise of Dr. Stuart Rennie (HIV biomedical ethics), Dr. David Rosen (epidemiology and criminal justice research), Dr. Seth Noar (health communication), Dr. Vivian Go (implementation science), Steve Bradley-Bull (Motivational Interviewing) and Eunice Okumu (Core Manager and mixed methods research). The Core provides low-cost, easily accessible services to researchers at UNC and partner institutions including, but not limited to, support for: design of research proposals and protocols; development of conceptual models; development, implementation, and evaluation of theory-based interventions; and qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis. The Core also provides training in data collection methods, including semi- structured, in-depth, and cognitive interviewing, focus group moderation, survey administration, and motivational interviewing. Through its biannual networking events, mentoring consultations, and networking directory, the Core brings social scientists across disciplines together to work with biomedical researchers to conduct collaborative, synergistic HIV prevention, treatment, and cure research. The Core will continue to work with partners at FHI 360, RTI International, NC-based HBCUs, other CFARs, and other UNC CFAR cores to strengthen and advance innovative social and behavioral HIV research. The work of the Core will be guided by consultation with the Core Directors, Core expert consultants, surveys of the CFAR membership, an Internal Advisory Board, an External Advisory Board, and through discussions at CFAR retreats.