Director of the Southern HIV and Alcohol Research Consortium (SHARC) Dr. Robert Cook recently received word from the Office of the Provost and Senior Vice President that his proposed SHARC Center for Translational HIV Research at UF has been approved. The overall mission of the SHARC is to improve health outcomes and reduce HIV transmission among the diverse range of populations affected by alcohol and HIV infection in the Southeastern United States.This new center holds great promise for new and enhanced collaborations to translate HIV research to benefit the community.In related news, Dr. Cook was named Chair of the Florida Consortium for HIV/AIDS Research (FCHAR) after Jeffrey Beal, MD, stepped down. FCHAR’s focus is on promoting and arranging inter-institutional and interdisciplinary collaboration on HIV Research. As Chairperson, Dr. Cook will have a consultant role in providing input and oversight for the committees. He will also participate as research investigator in selected studies and will approve FCHAR communications, announcements, and press releases. Congratulations!