Myron (Mike) Cohen, MD, Yeargan-Bate Professor of Medicine, Microbiology, and Epidemiology and Associate Vice Chancellor for Medical Affairs, will conclude his tenure as Director of the Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases (IGHID) at the end of June 2026.
Dr. Cohen is internationally recognized for his research on HIV transmission and prevention, encompassing clinical studies, global collaborations, and the application of epidemiological, virological, and pharmacological methodologies.
Dr. Cohen served as Infectious Disease Division Chief for thirty years, beginning his leadership in the midst of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, working primarily with infectious disease faculty in Chapel Hill and research sites worldwide. Dr Cohen established IGHID in 2007 at the request of Chancellor Moeser to embrace the interests and strengths of faculty and staff across all the Health Science Schools, The FedEx Global Center and the main campus.
Today, the institute spans three continents, housing multidisciplinary centers of excellence in women’s health, reproductive and sexual health, hematology and oncology, mental health, and an expanded portfolio in surgery, pathology, radiology, and anesthesiology. The advancement in each of these areas has placed UNC on the map as a leading institution advancing solutions for local and global health problems, especially those impacted by infectious diseases.
Dr. Cohen has served as Co-PI of the NIH HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) since 2012. As the architect of the HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) 052 study, Dr. Cohen led a pivotal clinical trial that demonstrated what is now a defining strategy: administering antiviral therapy to HIV-infected individuals to prevent transmission. This work was recognized by Science Magazine as the “Breakthrough of the Year” in 2011. The results led immediately to worldwide changes in HIV public policy, treatment guidelines, and HIV “treatment as prevention” (TASP) as the central strategy for reduction of transmission of HIV.
With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 Dr. Cohen was appointed to the Leadership of the NIH COVID Prevention Network (CoVPN). In this capacity, he led research on the use of monoclonal antibodies for the prevention and early treatment of COVID-19.
Dr. Cohen has been honored with numerous awards in recognition of his contributions as a physician scientist, including the Order of the Golden Fleece, the O. Max Gardner Award, the Berryhill Lectureship the Award for Lifetime Achievement in STD/HIV Research, and the North Carolina Award for Science, the state’s highest honor. Dr. Cohen is an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine.
Looking ahead, the Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases will continue to build upon the solid foundation laid by Dr. Cohen’s leadership, furthering innovative research and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration to address critical challenges in global health. Dr. Cohen will continue as an engaged and respected member of our community, offering his expertise and mentorship to future leaders in the field.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Cohen for his exceptional contributions to HIV prevention and treatment, and for his invaluable role in founding and guiding IGHID.