For more information about the WRI, please click here

ABOUT

In 2026, The Women’s Research Initiative on HIV/AIDS (WRI) will host programming focused on “Aging with HIV since Birth: The Journey of Women Lifetime Survivors,” in response to the reality that the unique needs and experiences of Lifetime Survivors/Dandelions (individuals who acquired HIV perinatally or early in life) remain largely unseen and unaddressed by HIV research.

The WRI 2026 will seek to amplify the perspectives of women lifetime survivors and address what we know about how living with HIV for a lifetime impacts overall health and unique considerations for lifetime treatment. We will highlight the role of sexual and reproductive health among women lifetime survivors. We will examine accelerated aging and HIV co-morbidities and how they may affect lifetime survivors differently than other women living with HIV. We will pay special attention to the psycho-social implications of living with HIV from birth or early infancy. And we will seek to develop a community-led and community-engaged research agenda.

The WRI was established by The Well Project in 2003 as a multidisciplinary and multisectoral effort dedicated to identifying gaps in HIV prevention, treatment, and cure research and policy among women. Each year, we select a theme that allows us to identify opportunities to accelerate understanding of HIV in women and convene a think-tank style meeting around that topic area. The WRI’s novel model situates women living with HIV, clinicians, policymakers, drug developers, scientists, and advocates as equal partners in a thoughtful process that articulates challenges and analyzes potential solutions. As a result, the WRI is responsible for unique collaborations and partnerships that may never have occurred otherwise. To see past meetings, reports, and attendees, please click here and please visit The Well Project’s website for more information about the organization.

 

If you choose to participate, we ask that you attend the full in-person meeting and participate in all three webinars (either live, or by viewing the recording):

  • Virtual: “Living with and treating HIV for a lifetime”: May 19, 3:30-5:00 pm ET
  • Virtual: “Sexual and reproductive health among women lifetime survivors”: June 18, 12:30-2:00 pm ET
  • Virtual: “Accelerated aging and HIV co-morbidities among lifetime survivors”: July 21, 2:00-3:30 pm ET
  • In-person meeting: October 5 – 7, 2026, AKA hotel, Alexandria, VA

 

REGISTRATION PROCESS

Please note that when you register, you will be asked to upload your bio and headshot. You may return at a later point to do this, however, if you can do it at the time of registration, it would be greatly appreciated.

The WRI will cover travel, meals, accommodations, and incidental expenses for all non-government and non-industry participants.

For questions regarding registration, please contact kristyn.short@meetingmasters.biz.

 

 

REGISTER NOW