Incorporation with ACH2

In 2003, following extensive discussion with members of the old National Centre for HIV Virology Research (NCHVR), other HIV researchers in Australia, officers of the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing, and others, members of ACHV agreed to join with basic HIV researchers under a new structure, the Australian Centre for Hepatitis and HIV Virology (ACH2). It was agreed that ACHV would continue operating as a recognised organization under this new arrangement, and that HIV researchers would be encouraged to form a complementary structure in a form that best suited their requirements.

The overarching body ACH2 will promote the quality and the impact of both HIV and hepatitis research by
(i) strengthening collaborations and interfacing  with researchers and practitioners in clinical, diagnostic and public health  areas concerned with these infections
(ii) administering the funding provided by the Population Health Division of the federal Department of Health and Ageing for research to underpin the National Strategies in HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C
(iii) assisting improved funding outcomes for research in the above areas
(iv) providing critical information for policy decisions and healthcare initiatives in these areas
(v) providing a point of contact between researchers and government

ACHV PIs believe this represents a significant step towards strengthening the quality of research and research funding for these infections; increased opportunities for interfacing between basic, strategic, clinical and public health research; and greatly improved avenues for the translation of research activity into direct benefit to patients and the community.