CROI 2025 Begins in San Francisco: Advancing Science, Strengthening Policy, and Shaping the Future of HIV Research

San Francisco, CA – The Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) 2025 opened today in San Francisco, bringing together leading scientists, clinicians, and public health experts to discuss the latest breakthroughs and ongoing challenges in HIV and infectious disease research. With a backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge symbolizing both progress and the bridge to a future without HIV, the conference promises groundbreaking discussions on treatment, prevention, and policy issues.

A Global Gathering of Experts

This year’s CROI boasts 3,772 registered attendees from 69 countries, with 40% of participants from outside the U.S.. The conference continues its tradition of fostering global collaboration, providing a platform for scientific exchange and the translation of research into public health impact. Notably, 24% of attendees are first-time participants, demonstrating the conference’s commitment to engaging new voices in the fight against HIV.

Key Themes and Opening Messages

During the opening plenary session, the CROI Foundation emphasized its mission to support scientific dialogue, investments in public health, and the translation of research findings into practice. However, it also condemned the censorship of science, targeting of researchers, and withdrawal of funding from critical research and evidence-based treatment programs.

A presentation on the impact of policy changes on HIV incidence highlighted the risks of scaling back prevention efforts. Modeling data presented by Andrew Phillips (UCL) projected a sharp increase in HIV incidence should access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) be reduced.

Scientific Rigor and Scholarship Support

The conference saw a strong engagement in research, with 1,875 general abstracts submitted, of which 1,076 were accepted. Additionally, 94 late-breaking abstracts and 105 oral abstracts will be presented, along with over 1,000 posters covering cutting-edge discoveries.

CROI 2025 continues to support the next generation of researchers and educators, awarding 311 scholarships to new investigators, 55 to international scholars, and 22 to community educators and mentors.

Response to U.S. Federal Policies

One of the most anticipated discussions centered on how CROI is addressing recent U.S. federal policies affecting scientific discourse. As an independent, foundation-supported conference, CROI has taken measures to ensure inclusivity and participation, including allowing virtual presentations for federal employees facing policy-related restrictions.

Looking Ahead

As CROI 2025 unfolds, attendees will dive into sessions covering new treatment strategies, vaccine developments, cure research, and the intersection of HIV with other infectious diseases. With a strong commitment to scientific integrity and public health impact, this year’s conference aims to set the stage for the next wave of advances in HIV prevention, treatment, and policy advocacy.

The discussions initiated here in San Francisco—a city with a deep history in the fight against HIV/AIDS—will shape the global response to HIV for years to come.