CROI 2026

The Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) was established in 1993 to provide a forum for basic scientists and clinical investigators to present, discuss, and critique their investigations into the epidemiology and biology of human retroviruses and associated diseases. The synergy of basic science and clinical investigation has been a major contributor to the success of the meeting. CROI has facilitated the presentation of important discoveries in the field, thereby accelerating progress in HIV and AIDS research. CROI highlights the latest research in HIV, hepatitis viruses, SARS-CoV-2 (including long COVID), mpox, and their related conditions.

Abstracts are evaluated by the Scientific Program Committee and additional reviewers for the relevance of their topics, the rigor of their research, and the distinct contributions they make to the broad spectrum of study that CROI strives to provide each year.

Attendance at the conference is open to researchers and clinical educators actively involved in the study and management of HIV, other retroviruses, and related medical conditions. Limited space is also available to members of the media whose work aligns with the scientific and educational aims of the conference.

The CROI is a prominent research meeting focused on presenting the latest advancements in the field of HIV/AIDS, related viruses, and related opportunistic infections. Its primary goal is to foster scientific discussion and inspire further exploration of the issues affecting these areas of research. The meeting provides a platform for researchers to share new findings, discuss innovative methodologies, and address gaps in current knowledge.

Part of the participant's role is to "contribute to the conversation", offering insights on current research and helping to shape the future direction of the field. CROI encourages a collaborative atmosphere where ideas can be exchanged, debated, and refined. It also serves as an important event for networking, providing opportunities for researchers to connect, form partnerships, and explore potential avenues for future research endeavors.

CROI strongly advocates for the use of and strives to incorporate "people-first" language and acceptable terminology in all CROI-related written materials and presentations. We request that all abstract authors and session presenters apply the following basic principles of people-first language and terminology reflecting respect:

• Describe populations as "people, persons, or individuals with HIV" rather than "HIV-infected people, persons, or individuals."
• Do not characterize people by their disease, infection, or condition; use "people who inject drugs," "individuals with cirrhosis," or other similar constructs.
• Do not describe people enrolled in research studies or clinical trials as "subjects" or "patients." Acceptable terms are research or clinical trial "participants" or "volunteers."
• Ensure the correct use of the terms "sex" (refers to biologic sex at birth) and "gender" (refers to psychosocial or cultural identity). Appropriate corollary terms are "cisgender" (people whose gender matches their sex assigned at birth) or "transgender" (people whose gender does not match the sex assigned at birth).
• Do not use the term "sterilizing" when referring to HIV cure; it triggers a negative perception in many people due to historic sterilization campaigns and may discourage participation in research.