Interdisciplinary Research Methods Core (IRMC)
The Interdisciplinary Research Methods Core (IRMC) has a central role in the HIV Center's research process. It serves as an interdisciplinary advisory and oversight resource to investigators by providing group and individual consultations, including a weekly Cross-Core meeting at which members of all the HIV Center Cores provide input for early conceptualization, launching, and mid-project review of research studies.
The work of the IRMC covers a range of issues. The IRMC works with investigators to identify the defining features of important HIV high-risk, infected and affected subgroups, especially the practices, relationships, cultural, social, and material contexts that shape their sexual lives. Other topics have included overcoming barriers to testing and counseling, identification of people during the early post-infection period, psychosocial aspects of microbicide development, and adherence to ARV regimens. The Core has also addressed the effects of HIV on psychiatric/psychological functioning and quality of life, and treatment with steroids, psychotropic drugs, and counseling /psychotherapy.
Core members work with investigators to conceptualize explanatory models for the causes and consequences of HIV infection that draw on the social and behavioral sciences. The Core also assists with development and implementation of interventions on multiple levels, with regard to HIV prevention, care, and treatment. In addition, the IRMC serves as a resource for Center-wide training and education on new developments in HIV-related research, prevention science, and developments in HIV care. It provides training in the use of ethnographic and qualitative methods, sexual behavior interviews, and interventions, and advances science by addressing HIV-related theoretical and methodological challenges.
The work of the IRMC covers a range of issues. The IRMC works with investigators to identify the defining features of important HIV high-risk, infected and affected subgroups, especially the practices, relationships, cultural, social, and material contexts that shape their sexual lives. Other topics have included overcoming barriers to testing and counseling, identification of people during the early post-infection period, psychosocial aspects of microbicide development, and adherence to ARV regimens. The Core has also addressed the effects of HIV on psychiatric/psychological functioning and quality of life, and treatment with steroids, psychotropic drugs, and counseling /psychotherapy.
Core members work with investigators to conceptualize explanatory models for the causes and consequences of HIV infection that draw on the social and behavioral sciences. The Core also assists with development and implementation of interventions on multiple levels, with regard to HIV prevention, care, and treatment. In addition, the IRMC serves as a resource for Center-wide training and education on new developments in HIV-related research, prevention science, and developments in HIV care. It provides training in the use of ethnographic and qualitative methods, sexual behavior interviews, and interventions, and advances science by addressing HIV-related theoretical and methodological challenges.
Core Members
Heino F. L. Meyer-Bahlburg, Dr. rer. nat.: Core Director
Susan Tross, Ph.D.: Core Co-Director
Jennifer Hirsch, Ph.D.: Core Co-Director
Curtis Dolezal, Ph.D.
Anke A. Ehrhardt, Ph.D.
Theresa M. Exner, Ph.D.
Claude Ann Mellins, Ph.D.
Judith Rabkin, Ph.D., M.P.H.
Theo Sandfort, Ph.D.
Milton Wainberg, M.D.
Tonya Reid: Core Coordinator
