The HIV vaccine field is at a critical juncture with immunological and virological discoveries from HIV infection having resulted in the generation of highly engineered vaccines, many now in advanced clinical trials in humans. These clinical insights are paired with detailed immunological analyses resulting in unparalleled depth of understanding of vaccine responses. Allied with ongoing studies of the natural history of HIV infection across diverse geographies, and innovations in protein engineering, adjuvant design and novel vaccine platforms, this intersection between clinical and basic sciences is accelerating the pace of HIV vaccines. This Keystone meeting, joint with an HIV Cure meeting, will bring together basic scientists and clinical trialists at a moment when experimental medicine trials will provide novel insights into HIV prevention and treatment.