The 2010 International Microbicides Conference (M2010) will be held May 22 - 25, 2010, at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.  A cadre of researchers, policy-makers, community advocates, and other individuals with an interest in the field of HIV / AIDS in general, and microbicides research in particular, will participate in the conference. Approximately 1,500 attendees are expected to attend this prestigious event from around the world.

In response to feedback received from prior conferences, M2010 will inspire more integrated information-sharing and collaboration. M2010 will introduce themed symposiums, replacing the previous conference structure, which was based upon scientific tracks.  It is anticipated that this new format will be representative of the current state of the field of microbicides as it "bridges" across populations, approaches, and disciplines. Accordingly, the overall conference theme has been appropriately determined as "Building Bridges in HIV Prevention." 

Conference Objectives

The objectives of the conference are:

• To provide updates on HIV prevention research including, but not limited to, microbicides;
• To provide a forum for the discussion of new developments in HIV prevention research including basic science, clinical, social science, behavioral, community and advocacy issues; and
• To present opportunities for knowledge-sharing between HIV prevention researchers, public health workers, communities, and advocacy organizations.

Potential Plenary Session Topics

The Scientific Program Committee is working diligently to select esteemed plenary session presenters to share relevant progress in the field of HIV prevention.  There will be 3 plenary sessions (May 23, 24, and 25). Each session will have two plenary speakers. Plenary session topics under consideration include the following:

• Update on microbicide development
• Community issues in HIV prevention
• Biology of HIV transmission
• The role of social science in HIV prevention
• HIV vaccines
• Rolling out an effective prevention strategy

Potential SymposiA Topics

The conference will also include nine mini-symposia primarily focused on thought-provoking and diverse views about the future of HIV prevention, including microbicides. Symposia topics under consideration include the following:

• Adherence in HIV prevention trials
• What comes after tenofovir?
• Novel trial design: life without placebos
• For whom and how: partnerships in HIV prevention
• Comparative assessment of vaginal and rectal compartments
• Effectiveness of HIV prevention interventions: How good is good enough?
• Mice, monkeys, and microbicides: advances in preclinical evaluation of new products
• Antiretrovirals in HIV prevention
• Product selection strategies

Abstract Submissions

Conference delegates are encouraged to submit abstracts to M2010. Abstracts will be accepted for oral or poster presentation.  There will be 15 oral abstract sessions with approximately 90 oral presentations.  These sessions will be clustered around specific themes and the choice of themes will be influenced by the abstracts that are submitted to the conference. In addition, abstracts accepted as posters will be displayed during the meeting and there will be six poster discussion sessions that will allow the authors to present their material in brief oral presentations.

Please visit the Abstract section of this Web site for information on abstract submission. 

Conference Schedule

The conference will begin the evening of Saturday, May 22, 2010, with an opening ceremony and reception.  Three full days of plenary sessions, symposium sessions, and poster presentations will occur between Sunday, May 23, and Tuesday, May 25.  The conference will end with a closing ceremony the afternoon of Tuesday, May 25. Please visit the Conference Program section of this Web site for a full agenda.

During the conference, morning and afternoon tea breaks, and a buffet lunch will be provided (May 23, 24, and 25). These events will present the perfect opportunity to network with your colleagues and inspire or renew your interest in HIV prevention and microbicides.

Please join us at the conference to share your insight about the field of microbicides, to learn of new and ongoing efforts and progress, and to support the continuing work relative to this important HIV prevention approach.