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Southern HIV and Alcohol Research Consortium
About Overview

SHARC History

The Southern HIV and Alcohol Research Consortium (SHARC) was established in 2012 to address the complex relationship between alcohol use and HIV-related health outcomes. Based at the University of Florida, SHARC was created as part of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism’s (NIAAA) Consortia for HIV/AIDS and Alcohol Research Translation (CHAART) initiative, bringing together researchers from multiple disciplines to advance HIV and alcohol research.

From its beginning, SHARC has focused on understanding how alcohol use influences HIV prevention, treatment engagement, and overall health outcomes. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, SHARC works to translate research findings into effective clinical practices, public health interventions, and community-based solutions.

Building a Collaborative Research Network

During its early years, SHARC developed a statewide network of researchers, healthcare providers, public health professionals, and community partners throughout Florida and the southeastern United States. The consortium established annual research conferences, developed collaborative research opportunities, and created a foundation for advancing HIV and alcohol research across institutions.

SHARC’s multidisciplinary approach brings together experts in epidemiology, medicine, behavioral science, public health, neuroscience, and implementation science. This collaborative model allows researchers to examine HIV and alcohol-related challenges from multiple perspectives while supporting the development of innovative solutions.

Advancing Research and Improving Health Outcomes

One of SHARC’s earliest and most significant initiatives was the Florida Cohort, a statewide research project designed to better understand how individual, healthcare, and community factors influence HIV care and health outcomes. The Florida Cohort continues to examine barriers to care, substance use, mental health, and factors affecting HIV treatment success across Florida.

Over the years, SHARC has expanded its research portfolio to include studies examining:

  • Alcohol use and HIV treatment outcomes
  • HIV-related stigma and barriers to care
  • Substance use and mental health
  • Cognitive and neurological effects of HIV and alcohol
  • Community-based approaches to improving HIV prevention and treatment

Growing Through Training and Community Engagement

Beyond research, SHARC has developed educational and professional development opportunities to train the next generation of HIV and alcohol researchers. Through programs such as the Professional Development Program (PDP), research seminars, working groups, and fellowship opportunities, SHARC supports students, trainees, and early-career researchers from diverse academic backgrounds.

SHARC also prioritizes community engagement by partnering with healthcare organizations, public health agencies, and community groups to share research findings, provide resources, and strengthen connections between researchers and the communities they serve.

Continuing the Mission

Today, SHARC continues to advance its mission of improving health outcomes and reducing HIV transmission among populations affected by HIV and alcohol. Through innovative research, collaborative partnerships, training opportunities, and community outreach, SHARC remains committed to creating meaningful impacts in Florida and beyond.

Annual Reports