Jaime H Vera Rojas

Professor Jaime H Vera Rojas serves as Chair in HIV Medicine and Head of the Department of Global Health and Infection at Brighton and Sussex Medical School. He concurrently holds an Honorary Consultant Physician position at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, where he leads the Lawson unit's integrated HIV/geriatrics/neurology clinics, and acts as Research Lead for his department while contributing to the Royal Sussex County Hospital's Clinical Research Facility.

His academic credentials include:

• PhD in HIV and Neuroscience, Imperial College London (2015)
• Dip GUM, Society of Apothecaries (2010)
• DTMH, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (2007)
• MRCP, Royal College of Physicians, London (2006)
• MD, Columbian School of Medicine (1999)

Research focuses on HIV comorbidities with dual pillars: neuroinflammation mechanisms using advanced imaging techniques, and innovative care models for ageing populations. His prevention work revolutionized access through digital vending machines for self-testing kits, validated across six countries. Current leadership includes the UK RESPOND cohort and POPPY ageing study, addressing critical gaps in HIV longevity research.

Recent publications (2022-2024) reveal three dominant trends: 1) Frailty assessment standardization across global settings 2) Neuroinflammatory biomarkers linking peripheral inflammation to cognitive decline 3) Scalable digital solutions for prevention. These span clinical trials, implementation science, and virological analyses with increasing international collaboration intensity.

Key recognition includes:

• BMJ Innovation Award (2018) for vending machine technology
• Editorial board membership: Brain Sciences Journal, PLoS One, HIV Medicine

Funding portfolio centers on NIHR and Wellcome Trust grants supporting cohort studies and digital health implementation. He mentors Global Health MSc students and leads a multidisciplinary research team including NIHR Fellows and Wellcome Trust CREATE researchers. His supervisory approach emphasizes clinical-academic integration, with trainees contributing directly to BHIVA guideline development through his committee role.

The research team comprises Katie Alford (HIV Neurology Postdoc), Dr. Kevin Martin (NIHR Fellow), Dr. Rebecca Morris (NIHR Fellow), Dr. Claire Norcross (Wellcome Fellow), Dr. Harriet Daultrey (Diabetes Specialist), Dr. Jonathan Kitonsa (CREATE Fellow), and Clea Tanner (Research Assistant), collectively advancing work on cognitive impairment, metabolic comorbidities, and digital prevention tools.