A monumental shift in leadership is set for this June, as Dr. Myron (Mike) Cohen, a towering figure in infectious disease research and the founding director of the Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases (IGHID), has announced he will be stepping down from his role. This transition marks the end of an era that began with the institute’s establishment in 2007, a period during which Dr. Cohen’s visionary leadership transformed not only the University of North Carolina’s global health landscape but also the worldwide approach to combating HIV/AIDS. As the Yeargan-Bate Professor of Medicine, Microbiology, and Epidemiology, his influence has extended far beyond administrative duties, shaping public health policy and inspiring a new generation of scientists dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing health challenges. His departure from the directorship is not a conclusion to his work but a milestone in a distinguished career that has consistently been at the forefront of medical innovation and compassionate care for nearly two decades at IGHID.
A Legacy in HIV Prevention
Dr. Cohen’s international acclaim is indelibly linked to his revolutionary research into HIV transmission and prevention, which fundamentally altered the course of the global epidemic. He was the principal architect and investigator of the HPTN 052 study, a landmark clinical trial that delivered one of the most significant breakthroughs in the history of HIV/AIDS research. The study provided definitive proof that when an individual living with HIV is on effective antiretroviral therapy, the risk of transmitting the virus to their sexual partner is virtually eliminated. This groundbreaking concept, now universally known as “treatment as prevention” (TASP), provided a powerful new tool in the fight against HIV. The impact was immediate and profound, leading Science Magazine to name it the “Breakthrough of the Year” in 2011. This recognition was not merely academic; it catalyzed a seismic shift in global public health policy, prompting organizations like the World Health Organization to overhaul their treatment guidelines and champion early diagnosis and therapy as a cornerstone of HIV prevention strategy worldwide.
His foundational work in HIV research long predated the establishment of the institute he would eventually lead, giving him a unique perspective on the evolving nature of global health crises. Dr. Cohen began his leadership journey as the Infectious Disease Division Chief, a position he held for three decades, steering the division through the darkest days of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. It was this experience that forged his vision for a new kind of institution—one that was inherently multidisciplinary and globally integrated. He envisioned IGHID not as a siloed research center but as a collaborative hub designed to address complex health issues from multiple angles. Under his guidance, the institute flourished, expanding its footprint across three continents and establishing centers of excellence dedicated to critical areas such as women’s health, oncology, and mental health. This holistic approach cemented UNC’s reputation as an undisputed global leader in health and demonstrated a forward-thinking model for how academic institutions can drive meaningful, real-world change.
Leadership Beyond a Single Virus
While his legacy in HIV is monumental, Dr. Cohen’s leadership and expertise proved equally vital when the world faced a new and unprecedented viral threat. During the COVID-19 pandemic, his deep understanding of virology and public health response positioned him as a crucial national leader. He was appointed to the leadership team of the NIH COVID Prevention Network (CoVPN), a massive federal initiative established to coordinate and conduct large-scale clinical trials for vaccines and other preventive interventions. In this pivotal role, Dr. Cohen was instrumental in guiding the research efforts focused on monoclonal antibodies, a promising class of therapeutics for both preventing and treating early-stage COVID-19 infection. His work helped accelerate the scientific understanding of these complex treatments, providing critical data that informed clinical practice and public health recommendations during a period of immense uncertainty. This contribution underscored his remarkable ability to pivot his expertise and apply decades of experience in infectious disease to a novel pathogen, reaffirming his status as a versatile and indispensable scientific leader.
Reflecting on a career defined by relentless innovation and profound impact, Dr. Cohen’s contributions were recognized through numerous prestigious accolades, including the North Carolina Award for Science, the state’s highest civilian honor, and his election to the esteemed National Academy of Medicine. After he stepped down from the directorship, he remained a vital and active member of the UNC community, committing to the continued mentorship of emerging scientists and lending his unparalleled expertise to ongoing research endeavors. The institute he founded stood as a testament to his vision, poised to build upon his legacy of interdisciplinary collaboration and pioneering discovery. His leadership created a robust foundation that ensured IGHID would continue to be at the vanguard of the global fight against infectious diseases, carrying forward the mission he so brilliantly initiated and sustained for nearly two decades.
