Core K: Translational Virology (TV) Project Summary/Abstract New virological technologies have revolutionalized the understanding of HIV transmission, persistence, and pathogenesis. The overall objective of the Translational Virology (TV) Core is to provide SD CFAR researchers with virologic expertise and advanced laboratory techniques tailored to HIV research. The TV Core will maximize access to specialized assays, develop data processing tools, ensure the highest quality results, and provide excellent training for the next generation of HIV researchers. HIV research efforts require reliable links and smooth communication between clinical and basic science investigators. The TV Core of the SD CFAR has been created, developed, and improved to achieve these objectives. The enhanced SD CFAR TV Core will provide services through four defined units that work closely with other SD CFAR cores, as outlined through our specific aims: 1. Assay Unit: To provide virologic expertise and a diverse array of specialized virologic assays based on the research needs of SD CFAR investigators. 2. Data Processing Unit: To provide computational expertise in the implementation of new data processing pipelines for virologic data, in concert with the Biostatistics and Modeling Core. 3. Training Unit: To provide training in virologic procedures and assist in the development of the next generation of HIV researchers, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. 4. Quality Assurance Unit: To ensure the quality, standardization, and integrity of our services. The Core’s restructuring for the upcoming renewal illustrates our commitment to providing the best science and services to all our collaborators. The Core’s four pillars of expertise, innovation, collaboration, and mentoring provide exemplary laboratory support services for all researchers and projects. Specific to this renewal, the proposed new and expanded TV Core will maximize efficiency and eliminate overlap by offering all virologic expertises and technologies ‘under one roof’. This new organization is designed to be the most reliable and cost- effective link that provides added value to HIV research within our Center while strengthening the collaboration and communication with the other SD CFAR cores. The expanded TV Core will bring our Center’s basic and clinical science researchers together and connects them with other SD CFAR cores to achieve the following key objectives: 1) Providing HIV-specific Expertise, 2) Lowering the Cost Barrier to Virologic Research, 3) Supporting Data Processing Pipelines through the new Data Processing Unit, and 4) Training the New Generation of HIV Researchers.