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Conference 2023

CAHR extends its appreciation to all those that participated in the 32nd Canadian Conference on HIV/AIDS Research (CAHR 2023). The event took place in Quebec City from April 27th to 30th, 2023 with nearly 700 participants coming together form across the country to share the latest scientific advances in the field, learn from one another’s expertise, and develop new ways to treat and prevent HIV.

CAHR thanks the dedicated work of the CAHR 2023 Scientific Planning Committee and the leadership of co-chairs Drs. Jérôme Estaquier and Cecilia Costiniuk.

CAHR also thanks its sponsors – in particular Gilead, ViiV and Merck — without whose generous contributions year in and year out, CAHR would not be able to host this great conference.

Conference Theme: A Boomerang Effect: From HIV to SARS-CoV2 and Back again

Like HIV, the COVID-19 pandemic has been a catalyst for scientific advancements, and lessons learned from HIV have contributed to this progress. We have seen the rapid emergence of test strategies for SARS-CoV2 detection. The new era of “Omic” strategies have enabled us to address SARS-CoV2 pathogenesis. Pathogenic processes of both viruses induce early immune perturbations beyond cellular infection and viral replication. Interesting parallels have been drawn between HIV and SARSCoV2 by invoking concepts of early lymphopenia and persistent systemic inflammation. Rapid spread and different waves of COVID-19 variants demonstrated, again, that viruses have no geographic boundaries, and that we all have a part to play in curbing the pandemic. Thus, the mask for COVID-19 was almost a metaphor, as the condom was for HIV, but the many safety practices we had to adopt during COVID-19 also prepared us for living with the unknowns accompanying the pandemic. On the treatment front, development of over 20 monoclonal antibodies, based on strategies to block HIV entry and now to target variants of concern, has been tremendous. Our experience searching for an HIV vaccine helped us develop a COVID-19 vaccine, building upon molecular elucidation of the SARS-CoV2 genome and host cell entry. Thus, more than 80 vaccines were in development soon after the pandemic. In fact, the advent of safe and effective vaccines against SARS-CoV2 has been one of the greatest successes. However, drug repurposing has been less successful, and we still have few antiviral drugs for COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic has also highlighted many of the same inequalities that shaped the HIV epidemic and underscored the importance of addressing social determinants of health.  Like the early days of the HIV pandemic, social isolation and disruptions in social networks were experienced by many people during the COVID-19 pandemic. These social restrictions were also part of the “boomerang effect,” and remind us of restrictions experienced during other pandemics.  Finally, like for HIV, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in high numbers of lives lost and economic costs due an invisible microbe. However, as people flee from war and famine, we also see fleeing of HIV, viral hepatitis, tuberculosis, and other infectious diseases.  Fighting pandemics requires investments, innovation, and strong commitment by everyone. During our first in-person CAHR since the pandemic, an underlying goal of this conference is to reflect on both advancements and setbacks during the pandemic and lessons learned. Here, we will refocus ourselves in order re-tackle the 90/90/90 goals with new perspectives.

Below is an overview of the Conference proceedings.

  • Conference Program
  • Keynote Presentations
  • Abstract Book
  • Scientific Committee
  • Ancillary Events

CAHR 2023 Sponsors

The Canadian Association for HIV Research (CAHR) gratefully acknowledges the companies and organizations which contribute to the Annual Canadian Conference on HIV/AIDS Research. These generous donations make it possible for CAHR to hold the national conference each year.

Conference Menu

  • CAHR 2023
  • Message from the CAHR Board of Directors
  • Important Dates
  • Abstract Submission
  • Registration
  • Venue & Travel
  • Program at a Glance
  • Program
  • CAHR Conference Co-Chairs
  • Scientific Committee
  • Sponsors & Exhibitors
  • Ancillary Events
  • Conference Code of Conduct
  • Scholarships & Awards
  • Conference Secretariat

Our Mission

  • Promote excellence in HIV research
  • Foster collaboration and cooperation among HIV research communities, including basic science, clinical science, epidemiology & public health and social science
  • Promote education and the development of new researchers
  • Provide a unified voice for Canadian HIV researchers and engage diverse stakeholders (community, industry, Government, NGO’s etc.) in ongoing dialogue and knowledge exchange to ensure that HIV research remains responsive to their needs
CAHR 2023 Conference Logo

CAHR 2023
April 27 to 30, 2023

Learn More

Recent News

  • Résultats du Fonds Mark Wainberg 2023
  • 2023 Mark Wainberg Fund Grant Recipients
  • Prix D’Excellence en Recherche ACRV-CANFAR 2023
  • 2023 CAHR-CANFAR Excellence in Research Awards
  • Résultats du concours de bourses de voyage pour professionnels de la santé – 2023
  • 2023 HCP Travel Awards Competition Results
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About CAHR

With a membership of more than 1,000 researchers and others interested in HIV research, the Canadian Association for HIV Research (CAHR) is the leading organization of HIV/AIDS researchers in Canada. CAHR is the organizing body for the Annual Canadian Conference on HIV/AIDS Research (CAHR Conference).

CAHR encourages Canadian researchers to be leaders in knowledge translation and to effectively respond both to the Canadian and global HIV/AIDS epidemics. Since its founding in 1991, CAHR has promoted excellence in HIV research, including mentorship and career development of investigators entering the field.

CAHR fosters collaboration and co-operation among HIV research communities, including basic, clinical and social sciences, epidemiology and public health. CAHR also engages people living with HIV/AIDS and AIDS service organizations in ongoing dialogue and information exchange to ensure that HIV/AIDS research remains responsive to the epidemic and its stakeholders.

CAHR is a registered charity.

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For more information or to make a comment, please contact us:

Canadian Association for HIV Research

440 Laurier Avenue West, Suite 200
Ottawa, Ontario K1R 7X6

1-888-374-CAHR (2247)
info@cahr-acrv.ca
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