INVEST visitor: Nguyen Mai Huong

In the “INVEST visitors” series, we present visiting professors and fellows who have arrived at the flagship INVEST. This time we are introducing Nguyen Mai Huong.

Who are you?

My name is Nguyen Mai Huong. I am Director of Center of Developmental Medicine and Mental Health at the Vietnam National Children’s Hospital in Hanoi, Vietnam. I hold an MSc in Psychiatry and a PhD in Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology. My work focuses on neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and ADHD.

I am also interested in developing integrated mental health care models in pediatric settings, where psychological support is part of routine medical care and provided through close collaboration between different professionals. This is especially important in Vietnam, where services remain limited and stigma around mental health is still a challenge.

Why did you want to visit INVEST?

I wanted to visit INVEST because of its approach on children’s development and mental health at a broader, population level, which is quite different from my clinical perspective.

I love to see the way researchers look at both risk and protective factors in children’s lives, and how these are shaped by family, peers, and the wider social context. I also want to better understand how this kind of research can inform prevention and early support, not only treatment.

What do you want to reach during your visit to INVEST?

During my visit, I hope to meet with researchers and learn more about how population-based research is designed and how it can complement clinical practice. I also look forward to exchanging ideas and exploring possible collaboration.