HIV research projects depend on the participation of volunteers—both HIV positive and HIV negative. Research projects can range from brief online surveys to lengthy face-to-face interviews, and may involve participation at a single time point or commitment over an extended period.

If you are taking part in clinical research you will also have to provide a medical history and will usually be required to have a physical examination and/or specific tests or procedures such as providing blood samples. Clinical trials testing new drugs or other biomedical interventions require regular monitoring and usually you will not know if you are receiving the product under investigation or a placebo until the trial has finished.

All HIV research projects are approved by the ethics committee of the university and/or hospital conducting the project. You will be provided with information about the study and will be asked to provide consent prior to participating. This information will include any risks that may be posed by your participation.

Your participation will be completely anonymous (you do not provide your name) or confidential (your name or any other identifying information will only be known to the research team). You should not expect to receive any direct benefits from participating in research. Sometimes, however, participation in clinical research will provide you with particular tests/procedures or pharmaceuticals that are not yet available as standard of care.

You can withdraw from a study at any time, and this will not compromise your relationship with the institution in any way.

Find out about current research projects

Click on the links below to find out about current HIV research projects.

The Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity in Society

National Centre in HIV Social Research

Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health & Society