After a remarkable career spanning decades of work in clinical medicine, public health, and HIV research, Dr. Carol Golin is retiring from her formal roles at UNC. As Director of the Social and Behavioral Research Core at the UNC Center for AIDS Research (CFAR), and a professor in both the Gillings School of Global Public Health and the School of Medicine, Dr. Golin’s contributions have left a lasting impact on the field—and the people within it.
Dr. Golin’s legacy is grounded in structural awareness, and deep community engagement. Reflecting on a pivotal moment in her career, she recalled the 2013–2014 National Social and Behavioral Sciences Research Network Conference co-hosted by UNC CFAR and Duke CFAR. “It marked a shift toward recognizing the larger forces shaping the epidemic,” she said. “It emphasized the need for structural interventions and real-world application of innovations.” With over 120 attendees from across the national CFAR network, the conference highlighted UNC’s growing leadership in implementation science and work with incarcerated populations.
The Social and Behavioral Research Core, under her leadership, has played a crucial role in fostering community-centered HIV research. From networking events to community partnerships, the Core has helped amplify the voices of those most impacted by HIV. “People most impacted by HIV guide what questions matter and how research should be done,” she emphasized. “Programs won’t work unless patients and community members help shape them.”
Retirement, however, does not mark the end of her engagement. Dr. Golin continues to serve as a senior consultant on several NIH studies and teaches a grant-writing course she loves. Dr. Golin’s presence, leadership, and mentorship have helped shape UNC CFAR and the broader HIV research community. While her retirement marks the end of an era, her legacy will continue to influence generations to come.