The Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) took place in San Francisco from March 9-12, bringing together clinicians, community members, scientists, and industry experts to discuss the latest developments in HIV research. Experts from various fields shared their experiences and insights on why CROI is a valuable meeting for advancing HIV research.
According to experts, CROI offers a unique opportunity for cross-pollination between basic scientists and clinical practitioners, allowing them to share knowledge and ideas that can drive innovation. Behavioral scientist Darbes emphasized the importance of hearing about community-based approaches and how they can be integrated with biomedical strategies to achieve better outcomes.
Clinician Tsondai highlighted the significance of CROI’s focus on science and basic research, which provides a platform for sharing groundbreaking findings and sparking new research questions. The meeting also fosters a sense of community among attendees, who come together to share their work and learn from others.
For HIV activist Picou, CROI is a rare space where experts from diverse backgrounds can come together to share knowledge and ideas. She hopes that the conference will become more inclusive of community perspectives and recognize the importance of bridging science and community.
Overall, experts agree that CROI’s unique blend of science, clinical practice, and community engagement makes it an essential meeting for advancing HIV research. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, CROI provides a platform for sharing knowledge, sparking innovation, and driving progress in the fight against HIV.
Source: https://www.ajmc.com/view/community-connection-and-sharing-the-science-at-croi-2025