In 2012, HIV-NAT conducted a total of 72 studies, 44 of which were conducted on adults and 28 on children/adolescents. There are 6 pharmacokinetic studies of which 3 are done in children and 2 in adolescents. There are 13 co-viral and viral studies: 4 hepatitis, 4 human papilloma virus (HPV), 4 influenza, and 1 cytomegalovirus (CMV) studies of which 2 has been completed (HPV and CMV studies). There are three Tuberculosis (TB) studies, 9 cohort studies and 5 strategic studies with 14 additional substudies. For the first time this year, we have added a new section of studies to accommodate the increase in sexual health studies. There are four sexual health studies and one substudy. Two more sexual health studies were awaiting IRB approval at time when this report was sent to press (December 2012). There are 22 pediatric studies and more on the way. Overall, there are 11 ongoing and 11 completed studies. At the time of writing this, there were 6 studies pending IRB approval (3 pediatric studies, 1 hepatitis study, 1 pharmacokinetic study and 1 TB study). Five studies are awaiting funding approval (3 pediatric studies, 1 HCV study and 1 elite controllers).This year, HIV-NAT has undergone some major internal changes but exciting changes. The Clinical Research Associates (CRAs) now handles all IRB preparations, submissions and follow-ups. The medical team has two staff to help with it so more work can be completed in a timely manner: medical coordinator and grant manager. Some of the nurses have undergone training to become nurse practioners to help see adult cohort patients. Our biostatisticians, CRAs, lab and nurses participate in presenting the latest articles in English at journal club with the MDs. Our nurses also present interesting or problematic cases in our Clinical Case Discussion sessions held monthly. They are undergoing additional training so they can write up study protocols to conduct their own studies as well as manuscripts.A new category of studies has been added this year due to an increased number of sexual health studies by our obstetrician. Many of our clinical trial research nurses have shown enthusiastic interest in this field. As Ms. Chuleeporn Wongvoranet stated, “The sexual and reproductive health (SRH) research for women living with HIV/AIDS is fundamental to their well-being and that of their partners and children. Improving women's sexual and reproductive health, HIV treatment and HIV prevention among couples are important factors. HIV-NAT has conducted several sexual and reproductive health (SRH) research studies so we can better understand sexual life and reproductive health to provide a new standard of reproductive health service to HIV-infected women and their partners.”Ms. Parawee Thongpaeng added, “Sexual health is a state of physical, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality. According to WHO’s definition, it requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence. We cannot ignore sexual health because the burden of morbidity has increased due to misperception. This is unacceptably high, especially in a field that is preventable if we have the correct medical knowledge. Sexual health is part of the human development just as men or women are essential for economic and social stability and progress in all societies. Providing health care by the medical team should not only focus on the inequality of knowledge but also from cultural and economic differences. That’s why I am interested in sexual health.”In addition, this year we are seeing an increase number of studies being conducted in the adolescent population as many of our pediatric patients are starting to become teenagers and encountering a different set of problems. Even within the adolescent population, there are distinct differences between the perinatally HIV-infected adolescents versus the behaviorally HIV-infected youths. There are so many unanswered questions, especially in the field of HIV which is always changing at a rapid pace. HIV-NAT has dedicated itself to continue to conduct quality research by addressing those issues relevant and important to the country, region and worldwide. It is difficult to keep abreast of all the new developments but our dedicated staff and collaboration with various organizations and institutions have made this possible. HIV-NAT would like to acknowledge all of its contributors for their unwavering support.Number of studies in 2011 vs 2012