HIV seroconversion over time: 30 years of impact & findings

World AIDS Day special event reflecting on how far we've come 30 years after the first seroconversion study in Australia

In 1992, the first in-depth study was set up to explore the ‘event’ that people attributed to their HIV seroconversion. Unique in the world, this study investigated the ways in which people understand and negotiate HIV risk. Over time, studies of HIV seroconversion have identified many important issues, such as the emergence of strategic positioning and serosorting. They have also chronicled, via participants’ accounts, many significant developments in the epidemic, including contemporary antiretroviral-based HIV prevention approaches (notably ‘treatment-as-prevention’ and U=U). This research continues to be important in the current era, for example providing insights into HIV testing patterns, mobility, PrEP, and the negotiation of sexual encounters on digital media apps.

On the 30th anniversary of the first seroconversion study in Australia – and timed to coincide with World AIDS Day – researchers who have been involved in the study over its lifetime will provide reflections on the personal and community impact of the study and its main findings – over each specific era – as well as its impact across the different periods of the epidemic. A representative of the National Association of People living with HIV Australia (NAPWHA) will provide a response and perspective on behalf of people living with HIV (PLHIV), and PLHIV community organisations.

*Please note this is a hybrid event with registration options for in-person and online attendance. Drinks will follow after the seminar at 4pm.

Speakers will cover a different period of the study:

• Emeritus Professor Susan Kippax

• Associate Professor Garrett Prestage

• Dr Jeanne Ellard

• Dr Ian Down

• Dr Dean Murphy

Dr John Rule from NAPWHA will provide a response and perspective on behalf of people living with HIV, and PLHIV community organisations.