HIVNAT is pleased to celebrate Dr. Win Min Han on the successful completion of the James Hakim International HIV Investigator Mentoring Program (IHIMP), an initiative of the Advancing Clinical Therapeutics Globally for HIV and Other Infections (ACTG).
The program, named in honor of Dr. James Hakim and his important contributions to mentoring emerging HIV researchers, was established to support early-career investigators with a demonstrated interest in advanced clinical research in HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and tuberculosis. Through two years of structured mentorship, research support, training, and opportunities for international collaboration, the program helps promising investigators develop the skills and networks needed to become independent researchers.
Dr. Win Min Han became involved with the ACTG through the REPRIEVE study at the Thai Red Cross AIDS and Infectious Disease Research Centre Clinical Research Site in Bangkok. His participation in the network introduced him to the opportunities offered by large-scale international research collaborations and the ability to address important research questions across countries and populations.
During the IHIMP, Dr. Win was mentored by Dr. Anchalee Avihingsanon, Director of HIVNAT. Reflecting on the experience, he emphasized the importance of mentorship that encouraged him not only to participate in research but also to develop and lead his own scientific questions.
“What I valued most was that [my mentor Anchalee Avihingsanon] did not just provide mentorship support and guidance; she pushed me to frame the questions myself and introduced me to the right people to connect and collaborate with.”
Dr. Win credits the IHIMP with helping him develop the confidence, collaborations, and research experience needed to establish his own investigator-led work. He is now leading independent research programs focusing on HIV-related comorbidities, building upon the scientific network and experience developed through the program.
His advice to other early-career investigators reflects one of the most important lessons from his experience:
“Don’t wait to be asked; if you have a question worth answering, propose it. I spent too long thinking I needed permission to lead.”
The James Hakim IHIMP has since evolved into the ACTG Early Stage Investigator Mentorship Award, continuing ACTG’s commitment to developing the next generation of HIV researchers.
HIVNAT congratulates Dr. Win Min Han on this important milestone and is proud to see our investigators and mentors contributing to the development of future research leaders through international collaboration, mentorship, and scientific innovation.
