Research Coordinating Center
The Research Coordinating Center (RCC), led by Washington University in St. Louis researchers, coordinates HLB-SIMPLe activities and provides organizational, administrative, technical, and communications support to the rest of the alliance.
The RCC works to facilitate collaboration and resource-sharing, organizing an in-person symposium once a year to bring stakeholders together with our research teams, to share challenges and lessons learned. Additionally, the RCC develops and maintains communications platforms, including this website, a monthly newsletter, and X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn social media accounts. They also convene regular (virtual) meetings of the alliance steering committee and various subcommittees and working groups as needed and maintain documentation of their discussions and achievements.
As a vital hub within the HLB-SIMPLe research alliance, the RCC offers an array of comprehensive training programs and services tailored to support the diverse needs of our research team members. Training initiatives cover a wide spectrum of essential skills and competencies, including research grant-writing, statistical analysis, and science communication. Through interactive workshops, coaching, and mentorship, researchers are equipped with the tools and knowledge needed to effectively navigate the NIH grant application process and communicate their findings to various audiences. Additionally, our mock study sections provide valuable insights and feedback to enhance grant proposals and research protocols.
Early-stage investigators can benefit from funding opportunities to support small research projects or avail themselves of expert support with data analysis and harmonization offered by experienced consultants. The RCC team includes longtime leaders in the field of implementation science ready to provide guidance on utilizing and understanding implementation science models, frameworks, and mechanisms, empowering researchers to effectively translate evidence into practice. The RCC is committed to fostering the professional growth and success of the HLB-SIMPLe research community and supporting our mission to improve cardiovascular outcomes for individuals living with HIV.
Research Coordinating Center MPIs
Kenneth Schechtman
Victor Davila-Roman
Washington University in St. Louis
Elvin Geng
Treva Rice
The RCC is funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), a division of the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), in partnership with the Fogarty International Center through grant U24-HL-154426.