Current Research > CAPS Developmental Core

Developmental Core

The Developmental Core promotes innovative interdisciplinary, international and US ethnic minority research, as well as the capacity to respond quickly to changes in the epidemic.

CAPS Consults/Mentoring

The Developmental Core provides mentoring and consultations to CAPS researchers on topics such as career direction, ideas about program of research and personal/work life balance issues. Please contact Susan Kegeles (415/597- 9159) to set up a consultation. Consultations are for:

  • Full professors (as desired)
  • Associate professors
  • Assistant professors
  • Faculty aspirants
  • Fellows

Presentations

Friday Town Halls focus on emerging issues and stimulate innovative research. Scientists and staff are strongly encouraged to attend Town Hall meetings regularly. If you would like to suggest a speaker or topic for Town Halls, please contact Scott Stumbo (415/597-4987). The different types of Town Halls are:

  • Master’s Series features a distinguished speaker who present the state of the art in various AIDS-related fields.
  • Scientist Updates feature non-CAPS scientists discussing their current research, which can include relevant non-AIDS research as well as AIDS research.
  • CAPS Updates feature CAPS scientists discussing their current research.
  • Community Town Halls feature experts from local community-based agencies who present the programs and research being conducted at the community-level.

Interest Groups

Interest Groups are organized as a strategy to stimulate innovation in various areas. Interest groups usually meet monthly. Please contact Susan Kegeles (415/597- 9159) if you would like to set up an Interest Group. Current Interest Groups include:

  • Prevention with Positives
  • Couples
  • Technical Assistance Working Group

Innovative Grants Program

The Innovative Grants Program supports pilot studies related to the theme of innovation in HIV/AIDS social/behavioral or policy research, and is multidisciplinary and focused on populations at especially high risk for HIV transmission. See guidelines for applications.

  • Peer review. The review will be made up of scientists with appropriate expertise from CAPS not connected to any proposal submissions, the ARI, and SFDPH. In addition, two CAPS CAB members will serve as reviewers.
  • Evaluation of funded studies. The evaluation of innovative grants will be improved by semi-annual assessments.

Peer reviews

  • Grant proposals - Before submission of any grant through CAPS, a final peer review is required. The Chair of the review is required to report the results and any subsequent modifications to the Director.
  • Early career scientists must go through an early-stage concept review, and others are encouraged to do this as well.
  • Summary sheets and scientists’ responses are reviewed prior to proposal resubmission. Peer review is also held for unsuccessful submissions to discuss review committees’ feedback and options for next steps.
  • Manuscripts for journal submission are reviewed at least once with respect to scientific content and presentation (e.g., focus, clarity, logic, coherence). These reviews are strongly encouraged, particularly for early career faculty, but not required.
  • Abstract submissions, oral presentations and slides are encouraged to be peer reviewed for scientific merit and effectiveness in communicating findings.

Please read the Peer Review Guidelines. Contact Leslie Roos to schedule peer reviews and arrange for distribution of materials.

Fellowships

The Developmental Core supports the following CAPS training programs:

Core staff

  • Director: Susan M. Kegeles, PhD
  • Co-Director: William McFarland, MD, MPH
  • Staff: Leslie Taylor, Wayne Steward, Leslie Roos, Rochelle Blanco