HIV Research for Prevention focuses on advancing scientific strategies that interrupt transmission, strengthen immune protection, and reduce population-level risk of HIV infection. Despite significant progress in treatment, prevention remains central to controlling the epidemic, particularly in regions with high incidence and structural vulnerability. This session examines how immunology, behavioral science, and biomedical innovation converge to inform effective prevention approaches across diverse populations.

Preventive HIV research has expanded beyond traditional behavioral interventions to include immunological and biomedical tools that reduce susceptibility to infection. Studies of mucosal immunity, viral entry mechanisms, and early immune responses provide critical insight into how HIV establishes infection. These topics are widely discussed at major Vaccine Conferences, where researchers evaluate immune-based prevention strategies and translational pathways that convert laboratory findings into scalable public health tools. This session highlights how prevention science integrates immune understanding with real-world feasibility.

A major area of emphasis is HIV prevention strategies, which encompass vaccines, pre-exposure prophylaxis, post-exposure interventions, and long-acting biomedical formulations. Understanding how these tools interact with host immunity, adherence patterns, and community context is essential for maximizing effectiveness. This session explores how immune correlates of protection, pharmacokinetics, and population heterogeneity influence prevention outcomes and guide program design.

HIV prevention research also addresses disparities driven by geography, gender, socioeconomic status, and access to healthcare. Immune vulnerability is shaped not only by biology but also by co-infections, nutrition, and social determinants of health. The session examines how integrated prevention frameworks combine immunological insight with community engagement, policy alignment, and health system strengthening. Attention is given to ethical considerations, implementation science, and the importance of trust in prevention research.

Participants engaging with this session will gain a comprehensive understanding of current directions in HIV prevention science, including immune-focused innovations and translational challenges. The knowledge shared supports evidence-based prevention programs, informs policy development, and contributes to global efforts aimed at reducing new infections and advancing long-term epidemic control.