Who We Are
As a leading nonprofit foundation, amfAR funds breakthrough biomedical research with a primary and enduring commitment to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
We support innovative research in areas where viruses and the immune system play a defining role, including cancer immunology, autoimmune disorders, and other viral diseases. Through strategic investments, global research partnerships, and evidence-based policy leadership, amfAR accelerates discoveries that improve health and save lives.
making an impact
Since the early days of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, amfAR has been at the forefront of research and advocacy.
1986
Early studies help develop of a new class of anti-HIV drugs—protease inhibitors. amfAR’s research goes on to help develop four of the six main classes of antiretroviral drugs in use today.
1988
Research pioneered by amfAR leads to the use of antiretroviral drugs to prevent mothers from passing HIV on to their infants. As a result, this mode of transmission is now all but eliminated.
1989
The Community-Based Clinical Trials network is established by amfAR, which shows that involving the HIV community expands research capacity and expedites the drug approval process.
1990
amfAR plays a central role in securing the passage of cornerstone federal legislation to form the domestic response to HIV including the Ryan White CARE Act of 1990.
WHAT WE DO
RESEARCH
amfAR supports deliberative and strategic research in immunology, virology, and AI-enabled science. Our agile funding model makes us a crucial part of the scientific community.
EXPLORE RESEARCH
Our Grants
From early-career fellowships to major collaborative studies, amfAR funds highly innovative and sometimes high-risk studies that may lack the preliminary data required by traditional grantmakers.
Throughout its history, amfAR has been a leader in bringing together the best minds to solve complex problems and advance scientific discovery at a quicker pace.
Global Impact
…amfAR’s willingness to take risks is very important. And I’ve always admired amfAR for their focus on young people, on emerging talent, because this is absolutely critical for research on HIV and other diseases to thrive.
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