Work

Building Successful Career Trajectories for Early-Stage Investigators in HIV Research: Reflections from the DC CFAR My Path to Independence Series

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: launched in 2022. These seminars host 1-h online sessions in which senior and mid-career-level HIV researchers with diverse expertise reflect on the challenges in their professional journeys, experiences in scientific discoveries, and lessons learned throughout their careers. Attended by 30 to >100 researchers per event, these series have become a valuable component of the Developmental Core program, enabling early-career-stage investigators to acquire career flexibility skills, advance their mentorship approach, and grow their collaborative capacity. Most importantly, these series have played a role in preparing the young generation of scientists for the evolving context of HIV research priorities and changes in the funding landscape. In this perspective, we reflect on three recurring lessons of mentorship, collaboration, and resilience that emerged from these conversations and their relevance to the formation of the new generation of HIV researchers.

Source: AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses

DOI: 10.1177/08892229261426066

Authors: Michael Bukrinsky, Lorena Segarra, Aniko Alexander, Natella Rakhmanina

Institutions: George Washington University, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Children's National

Language: English

Topic: Mentoring and Academic Development

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Partnerships for the goals

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases