Despite programs designed to create more training and federal funding opportunities, barriers still exist, researchers say. Understanding these barriers may increase the number of minority researchers that pursue HIV/AIDS research.

Factors constricting the number of Black HIV/AIDS researchers include limiting factors in early career decisions and a lack of exposure to research. Black college students often don’t receive research training early in their careers and may not be versed in constructing a strong research team, the report reveals.

Other issues detouring Black students from HIV/AIDS research are the scarcity of Black mentors in HIV/AIDS research, the negative perceptions some Blacks have about their own competence as HIV/AIDS investigators and a limited opportunity for culturally congruent research, the report says.

“Mentoring is a critical component of preparation for a career in HIV/AIDS research,” the report reveals, noting that Blacks represent only 5.3 percent of full-time faculty in American higher education.

Researchers of color add an important voice and level of expertise to HIV prevention that can only be enhanced by implementing programs to increase the representation of Black investigators in National Institutes of Heath-funded research, the report’s authors say. “A concerted effort to remove barriers to funding and career trajectories ensure that HIV/AIDS research addressing the most affected populations is needed.”