NIH Symposium—"Emerging Topics in HIV and Aging Research: Early Career Investigator Spotlight" Executive Summary

David Chang, Ph.D., OAR
Vasudev R. Rao, M.B.B.S, NIMH, DAR

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) symposium “Emerging Topics in HIV and Aging Research: Early Career Investigator Spotlight,” was held on October 24, 2024 during the International Workshop on Aging & HIV in Washington, D.C. Organized by the NIH Office of AIDS Research (OAR) and the National Institute on Mental Health (NIMH), the event highlighted the critical intersection of HIV and aging research, emphasizing the need for innovative, multidisciplinary approaches to improve health outcomes and quality of life for people living with HIV. Sustaining these efforts depends on ongoing mentoring and career development to support the next generation of investigators.

NIH representatives David Chang, Ph.D., OAR Senior Science Advisor, and Vasudev Rao, M.B.B.S. NIMH Program Director, underscored the importance of supporting early career investigators (ECIs) in this field. Dr. Chang highlighted the low percentage of NIH R01 awards to early-stage investigators (ESIs)¹ in HIV research, stressing the need for increased support and mentorship. Dr. Rao discussed NIMH Division of AIDS Research (DAR) initiatives for basic science and target discovery research approaches, with a focus on social and mental health challenges, epigenetics, comorbid conditions, implementation science, and integrated care models for lifetime and long-term survivors with HIV.

The symposium featured presentations from four ECIs:

• Moka Yoo-Jeong, Ph.D., NP-C, RN, OCN, Assistant Professor at Northeastern University, explored the impact of loneliness on older people with HIV, distinguishing between emotional and social loneliness and their effects on mental health. 
• Kalen J. Petersen, Ph.D., Post-doctoral fellow at Washington University in St. Louis, investigated the relationship between brain aging and cognitive function, as well as epigenetic changes—i.e., changes in gene function without changing the DNA sequence—in virally suppressed individuals with HIV, revealing accelerated epigenetic aging linked to cognitive impairment.
• Jun Yeong Byun, Ph.D., M.S.N., Post-doctoral fellow at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, examined the mental health and quality of life in older adults with both HIV and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), highlighting the importance of resilience and social support.
• Abigail Baim-Lance, Ph.D., Assistant Professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Veterans Health Administration) presented innovative care models integrating geriatric, nursing, and community health worker support to improve outcomes for older adults with HIV.

The symposium highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing the multifaceted needs of people aging with HIV.  Presenters shared insights on the challenges faced by older people, including loneliness, accelerated biological aging, and mental health issues linked to comorbidities, such as COPD. Discussions emphasized bridging the gap between research and practical healthcare solutions, with a particular focus on community-based support and the potential of biological models in predicting health outcomes. 

The symposium also stressed the need for continued mentorship, expanded NIH resources for ECIs, and platforms to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration among investigators of all career stages in HIV and aging research. The event demonstrated NIH’s commitment to supporting ECIs and fostering innovation, which will be crucial for addressing the complex health needs of people aging with HIV.

Learn more about NIH research priorities related to HIV and aging, links to clinical materials, funding information, and additional resources on the OAR HIV and Aging page.

¹ Early-stage investigators (ESIs) are defined by NIH as those individuals who have completed a terminal degree within the past 10 years but have not yet secured substantial NIH funding. OAR uses the umbrella term of early career investigator (ECI) to refer to this group as well as other researchers, including those junior investigators who are early in their careers and may have received some NIH funding but have not yet been promoted to associate or full professor.