This weekend approximately 5,000 of the world’s leading scientists, clinicians, public health experts and community leaders will convene in Cape Town, South Africa, for the 5th International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment, and Prevention (IAS 2009)Exit Disclaimer to “examine the latest developments in HIV-related research, and to explore how scientific advances can—in very practical ways—inform the global response to HIV/AIDS.” The conference will run July 19-22, 2009.

Can’t be there in person? Participate virtually.

This year the conference organizers are using new media tools as an integral way to communicate updates before and during the conference. Through tweetingExit Disclaimer, a Facebook fan pageExit Disclaimer, a Flickr groupExit Disclaimer, and a live-blogExit Disclaimer, people all over the world can follow conference updates from the comfort of their own homes and offices. People can also sign up now for daily conference bulletinsExit Disclaimer in English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Russian or Romanian. They are also offering webcastsExit Disclaimer of certain sessions. On Monday they will be airing a webcast of a special session, U.S.-Global HIV Policy, Research and Implementation Under the New AdministrationExit Disclaimer , featuring U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator Eric Goosby and NIAID Director Anthony Fauci.

My HIV.gov team and I are following the conference updates with interest, and are eager to learn how the use of new media tools supported the objectives of the conference and expanded its reach. Stay tuned!