Implementation Science (IS) theories, models, and frameworks hold the potential to bridge the evidence-to-practice gap. The ISC integrates IS research into research projects at all phases of study. Our team brings complementary but distinct expertise in IS methods, including study design, measurement, and frameworks, as evidenced by several NIH-funded projects designed to improve the implementation of HIV testing and treatment. We are experienced in providing IS collaborative partnerships and mentorship. In addition, the team has the experience to develop advanced IS skills among HIV researchers, and to expand their work in IS to promote the translatability, practicality, and transferability of CFAR research.  

• SPECIFIC AIM 1: Establish the Implementation Science Consultation Program (IS-Consult) to support Tennessee CFAR investigators and their community partners. 

• SPECIFIC AIM 2: Provide ongoing Implementation Science Collaborative Partnerships (IS-Partner) to HIV investigators and community partners, integrating IS concepts, frameworks, and outcomes into funded projects. 

• SPECIFIC AIM 3: Provide Implementation Science Mentorship (IS-Mentor) to researchers and their community partners to advance sustainable IS expertise to End the HIV Epidemic. 

The ISC is well-poised to support HIV researchers to lead rigorous, contextually appropriate IS projects that address the needs of local communities and advance Ending the HIV Epidemic goals. The ISC augments the capacity of researchers to translate effective HIV interventions into improved health outcomes through the application of IS methods. We leverage existing community partnerships to build trust and create evidence that matters to our most-impacted communities. 

The Implementation Science Core provides four key services to support HIV researchers:

• Clinic: Ad hoc sessions to support grant writing, manuscript preparation, protocol development, or the development of roadmap/toolkits for integrating implementation strategies and outcomes into effectiveness trials

• Partnership: Intensive support sessions for teams looking to incorporate implementation science elements into ongoing and future trials, with a focus on long-term, substantive collaboration 

• Grant Studio: A one-time consultative session where researchers receive feedback from a panel of implementation science experts on the planning, design, implementation, translation, or dissemination of their work

• Mentorship: A series of sessions designed for early career investigators seeking coaching and guidance in implementation science

To request any of these services, please complete this survey.