PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT: DEVELOPMENTAL CORE The Developmental Core (DC) will aim to support innovative pilot research to foster the academic careers of new investigators in neuroHIV research by capitalizing on UCSD’s unique training environment and opportunities; and to support refinement of neuroHIV hypotheses and methods, resulting in better understanding of pathogenesis and treatment of HIV in the central nervous system (CNS). The DC will primarily accomplish these aims via its Developmental Grant Program and by assisting new investigators in navigating the substantial range of HNRC-linked research resources, such as those from six ongoing training programs: Interdisciplinary Research Fellowship in NeuroHIV (R25 MH081482); Training in Research on Addictions in Interdisciplinary NeuroHIV (T32 DA031098); Sustained Training in Aging and HIV Research (R25 MH108389); the UCSD HIV/AIDS Training Program (T32 AI007384); the UCSD Masters of Advanced Studies in Clinical Research program; and the UCSD/SDSU Joint Doctoral Program. In the current funding cycle, the DC awarded 14 developmental grants to new investigators. In addition, the DC assisted with training 28 new investigators in neuroHIV research methods. For the renewal, we propose to continue to fund innovative, interdisciplinary, and translational research projects that a) align with the HNRC’s scientific themes and the Office of AIDS Research’s priorities and b) are likely to lead to future research grant applications. We will continue to work with the San Diego CFAR to provide feedback to new investigators on their grant applications and will continue to link investigators to resources at the HNRC and UCSD. The DC will continue to be led by Drs. Letendre, Bharti, and McCutchan. The Core will work with the Administrative Core, the HNRC Scientific Core Directors, and the San Diego Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) to incorporate new elements, including training in grant application preparation, a Study Section-like review panel that provides grant application feedback to new investigators prior to submission, and a clearinghouse for new requests for applications and program announcements.