OAR has established a unique and effective model for developing a consensus on scientific priorities for the annual comprehensive NIH Plan for HIV-Related Research. To develop the FY 2003 Plan, OAR sponsored a series of Planning Workshops to seek the input of non-NIH experts, including scientists from academia, foundations, and industry, and community representatives. These experts participated with NIH scientific and program staff in Planning Groups for Natural History and Epidemiology; Etiology and Pathogenesis; Therapeutics; Vaccines; Behavioral and Social Science; Microbicides; HIV Prevention Research; Racial and Ethnic Minorities; Women and Girls and HIV/AIDS Research and International Research Priorities. A list of participants in the Planning Group for Research Related to Racial and Ethnic Minorities is found in Appendix B. Participants in each Planning Group were asked to review and revise the objectives and strategies of the draft Plan, based on the state of the science, and to identify a set of priorities for their area. All groups were asked to address needs in the areas of information dissemination, training, infrastructure and capacity building related to their area. The resulting draft Plan was then provided to each Institute and Center Director and AIDS Coordinator for recommendations and comments. Finally, the Plan was reviewed by the Office of AIDS Research Advisory Council.