ABOUT AIDS 2014

Programme

CONFERENCE PROGRAMME

Daily Plenary Sessions

The daily plenary sessions feature some of the world’s most distinguished HIV scientists, policy specialists and community leaders. Plenary sessions bring all conference delegates together every morning and set the tone for the daily programme.  More information on the plenary sessions will be posted on this page in the coming months.

Non-Abstract Driven Sessions

Non-abstract driven sessions address a variety of current viewpoints and issues. The format and focus of these sessions varies. These sessions are developed by the programme committees with stakeholder input.

Session Types

• Symposia Sessions address critical issues that defy simple solutions. Focusing on a single, clearly defined topic or issue, speakers and delegates share experiences, contribute relevant research findings and brainstorm ideas to identify possible ways forward. These 90-minute sessions also report on new findings and announce forthcoming research and new initiatives.
• Bridging Sessions connect the three programme components (Science, Community and Leadership & Accountability) and provide an opportunity for multi-disciplinary, multi-perspective dialogues on topics of common interest. Through interactive formats, speakers share knowledge and perspectives on the particular issue selected. Additionally, speakers highlight linkages and synergies between different areas of expertise. The bridging sessions are 90-minutes in duration.
• Special Sessions feature presentations by some of the world’s key research leaders, international AIDS Ambassadors and policy specialists. These 60-minute lunchtime sessions are highly engaging for delegates.

Abstract Driven Sessions

The abstract driven component of the conference programme offers the highest calibre of state-of-the-art knowledge and peer-reviewed research. Abstract driven sessions are either specific to one of the five tracks (A-E), or are composed of abstracts from different tracks that focus on one theme.

Submitted abstracts go through a blind peer-review process, carried out by a panel of international reviewers who are selected by members of the scientific programme committee. Abstracts will be presented by scientists, activists, policy makers, people living with HIV and others working in the field.

Session Types

• Oral Abstract Sessions are organized into themes which address new developments in each of the five scientific tracks, or focused on a topic which crosses various tracks. Oral abstract sessions are 90-minute sessions that consist of five 10-minute oral presentations, followed by a five-minute question and answer session. An interactive moderated discussion, facilitated by the co-chairs, is held at the end of the session.
• Oral Poster Discussion Sessions, held daily from 13:00 – 14:00, are 60-minute sessions that consist of four to six five-minute oral presentations. An interactive moderated discussion, facilitated by the co-chairs, is held at the end of the session. Abstracts discussed at these sessions are on display for the duration of the conference next to the room in which the poster was presented.
• Poster Exhibition is organized by track and covering a wide variety of topics, the Poster Exhibition includes approximately 1,000 posters. Each poster is displayed for one day and presenters will stand by their posters at scheduled times to answer questions and provide further information on their study results.

Workshops

Professional Development Workshops

The professional development workshop programme aims at increasing the capacity of delegates to implement and advocate for effective, evidence informed HIV policies and interventions in their respective communities and countries. Workshops can be 90 or 180-minutes in length and held in languages other than English. Workshops have a limited participant capacity. Seating is granted on a first-come first-served basis. Participants are encouraged to arrive 15-20 minutes prior to the start time.

Workshop Focus Areas

The AIDS 2014 workshop programme is grouped into three broad areas. These areas cover a range of content and teach specific skills that can be applied within the workplace or in life settings. The main purpose of the grouping is to guide delegates to workshops that will best correspond to their needs. The workshops are grouped into one of three areas – scientific, community or leadership and accountability.

Scientific Development

Workshops enhance skills development and encourage collaborative learning around the latest scientific research, emerging technologies and breakthroughs in policy and programme in order to inform and guide the global response to the HIV epidemic.
Workshops in this category will serve to (1) accelerate the scale-up of evidence informed and combined approaches to HIV care, treatment and prevention; (2) highlight excellence in biomedical, epidemiological, behavioral, social, economic, political, and operational research as well as in multi-disciplinary science; and (3) discuss the impact of the HIV response on health and social systems, including the potential for effective HIV programmes to transform health and development programmes for today and for generations to come.
The Scientific Development Categories follow the scientific track categories. For an expanded description of the scope and objectives of each scientific track, please click here.

Leadership & Accountability Development

Workshops provide a platform for new and current leaders to learn innovative skills which are critical for an effective response to the HIV epidemic. Delegates will develop and enhance their ability to assess and measure commitments and actions of leaders in their own communities.

The intention is to provide practical advice on best practice, and to challenge individuals and organizations to consider ways in which they go about developing leadership skills and accountable processes. The workshops seek to understand such practices and examine what outcomes are possible for an effective, transparent and coordinated HIV response.

Community Skills Development

Experience shows that community involvement is an essential part of the response to combating the HIV epidemic. This series of workshops will showcase effective community empowerment programmes that are strengthening public health outcomes in HIV treatment, prevention, care and support. These workshops will emphasize the importance of building skills and capacity in relation to peer-driven programmes and services that are run ‘by and for’ people living with HIV and key affected communities.

Participating in these workshops will enable delegates to broaden their knowledge and skills in mobilizing key affected populations and local communities to implement effective and sustainable programmes. By sharing the successes of global community responses to HIV, workshops will emphasize the importance of building partnerships and strengthening networks between civil society, policy makers and health professionals.

Workshop Levels

Workshop topics are classified according to levels of experience and expertise of the target audience. The purpose is to guide conference delegates in identifying and selecting the workshop session that best meet their needs.
Foundation Level – For learners new to a career in HIV and health, these workshops are intended to build strong foundation skills and knowledge.
Intermediate Level For mid-career learners who have a strong foundation, looking to further advance their professional expertise and become more effective team leaders; these workshops offer a robust selection of topics that will help delegates to specialize their focus, explore new areas and opportunities, or expand their skills to the next level of professional development.
Advanced Level – For those who have been working in HIV and health for years, and are looking for new, fresh approaches to the HIV response, and delivering on high-stakes’ projects. These workshops should allow delegates to build and nurture their talent, while increasing their own influence and marketability, and strengthening engagement with key experts at leading global health organizations.