Investigators in the Research Triangle have a long tradition of leading clinical, public health, and research efforts in infectious disease. In recognition of these accomplishments, the Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina have established the Center for HIV/STDs and Infectious Disease at the Chapel Hill Campus (The Center For Infectious Diseases). This Center is designed to develop the ongoing clinical, educational, and research.

Preventing and treating infectious diseases represents an ongoing challenge. We live in balance with microbes and parasites, many of which are capable of causing disease. In addition, emerging infections are caused by antibiotic-resistant microbes or species with recently acquired pathogenic potential. Maintaining awareness and developing effective treatments of these infections require coordinated research efforts. Other goals include:

• Coordinating basic and applied research in infectious diseases and fostering collaboration among other investigators and researchers.
• Coordinating outreach activities with UNC's School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology and appropriate State agencies.
• Improving clinical care in infectious disease. This will include local activities related to management of HIV and other infectious disease; activities related to emerging pathogens, international health, and clinical outreach.
• Infectious disease prevention activities, including a focus on vaccine development and vaccination practices.

The study of infectious diseases requires a different approach than other acquired or hereditary diseases. There is no possibility of eliminating infectious diseases; microorganisms will continue to evolve and produce disease. Therefore, the best strategy is to combine research efforts for understanding evolution, prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. The Center for Infectious Diseases at The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill represents many scientists from different disciplines who are all united in this common goal.