# Sustained Training in Aging and HIV Research (STAHR)

> **NIH NIH R25** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · 2023 · $1

## Abstract

This application proposes to continue to develop, implement, and evaluate the highly successful Sustained
Training on Aging and HIV Research (STAHR) research training program, which has the goal of expanding the
pool of NIMH-funded new investigators performing research of HIV, aging, and mental health. Since the initiation
of the program in 2015, the lifespan of people with HIV (PWH) has continued to improve but the healthspan has
not improved to the same extent, raising concerns about premature aging. Many key research questions
regarding the complex relationship between HIV, aging, and the brain remain unanswered. This emerging field
encompasses issues of physical and psychiatric disease, polypharmacy, cognitive impairment, and psychosocial
stressors on the one hand, and positive aspects such as resilience and neuroplasticity on the other. Much
remains to be learned about mechanisms and interventions for preventing and treating mental illnesses,
including cognitive and mood disorders, in older PWH. Fostering the development of researchers with knowledge
and expertise in both aging and HIV is critical for the promotion of urgently needed research in this field. The
STAHR program builds on the infrastructure and expertise available at two major research programs at the
University of California, San Diego (UCSD, the Stein Institute for Research on Aging and the HIV
Neurobehavioral Research Program) and addresses several priorities of the NIMH Division of AIDS Research
and the NIH Office of AIDS Research. The program targets clinical and translational postdoctoral fellows and
junior faculty from across the country who have experience in aging or HIV research, but are interested in gaining
expertise in the intersection of these two factors. Four new scholars are selected each year and are matched
with a primary mentor at their home institution and a co-mentor at UCSD. Training goals are to increase
knowledge and skills in HIV and aging mental health research and support career development, with mentoring
being a key focus. Each scholar works with their mentors to develop an Individual Development Plan. Although
many of the training activities are performed remotely throughout the 3-year program, we have all scholars and
mentors convene annually for a 2-day Workshop at UCSD when public health allows. First year scholars also
attend a 4-week Summer Institute that will be part in-person at UCSD and part remote. In its first funding cycle,
the STAHR program trained a diverse group of 20 early-career scientists (50% underrepresented minorities).
The program’s success thus far is evidenced by the impressive track record of publications, awarded grants,
career milestones and the positive program evaluations. Thus far, the program has grown its network of mentors
across the U.S., which has supported trainee development and fostered collaborations. With this renewal, the
network will continue to grow and serve as a resource for trainees during and after the ...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10615240
- **Project number:** 5R25MH108389-07
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
- **Principal Investigator:** Scott L Letendre
- **Activity code:** R25 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $1
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2016-04-01 → 2028-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10615240

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10615240, Sustained Training in Aging and HIV Research (STAHR) (5R25MH108389-07). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10615240. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*