Highlander Health has appointed Nicholaas ‘Nick’ Honig as executive director of its Highlander Health Institute, reinforcing its mission to reshape the future of clinical trials, evidence generation, and care delivery. The move reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to overcoming some of the most entrenched barriers in healthcare through adaptable, collaborative innovation.

Co-founded by Dr Amy Abernethy and Dr Brad Hirsch – two leaders synonymous with evidence-driven transformation – Highlander Health Institute was launched to test new models, challenge old assumptions, and build a stronger, more scalable infrastructure for clinical research and decision-making.

Honig, who brings a hybrid background in law, regulatory strategy, and health policy, will oversee the Institute’s growing portfolio of work, including existing grants, emerging partnerships, and thought leadership initiatives. He joins Highlander from Aetion, where he served as head of regulatory and senior counsel. His earlier roles include a stint in Pfizer’s strategy and consulting group and a clerkship in the FDA’s office of chief counsel.

“I’ve long been drawn to the question of how the US healthcare system can do more with the data it already has—without reinventing the wheel each time,” said Honig. “At Highlander, we’re exploring flexible pathways that unlock what’s possible across regulatory, clinical, and real-world settings.”

Asked what excites him most about the new role, Honig was candid: “We have an opportunity to solve problems in real time – not just admire them. I’m energized by the team’s willingness to take risks in pursuit of smarter solutions that can be replicated and scaled.”

Honig also pointed to Highlander’s ability to operate in the ‘white space’ between rigid regulatory frameworks and real-world care. “We’re not tied to a single modality or data source. That allows us to ask: what’s the best tool for this job, not just what’s already on the shelf?”

His regulatory expertise – shaped in part by years spent advising on FDA policy and health tech adoption – will play a central role in expanding the Institute’s influence. “If we want to improve how evidence is generated and used, we can’t do it in a vacuum. That’s why working alongside regulators, academic researchers, and health systems is critical. We’re building bridges, not just writing white papers.”

Highlander co-founder Abernethy said Honig’s appointment couldn’t come at a better time. “Nick understands both the letter of the law and the practicalities of implementation. That’s a rare blend, and exactly what’s needed to help systems adapt quickly but responsibly.”

Hirsch echoed the sentiment: “Nick is wired for impact. He’s strategic, systems-oriented, and deeply motivated by improving patient outcomes. We’re thrilled to have him lead the Institute’s next phase.”

As Executive Director, Honig says he’s focused on two things: execution and experimentation. “We’ve already got a strong foundation. My role is to help connect the dots—between programs, data sources, people – and to ensure we’re moving the needle where it matters most.”

He adds that one of his biggest goals is keeping the Institute’s work grounded in reality. “It’s easy to chase shiny objects in healthcare innovation. But the real win is making everyday systems work better for real people – patients, providers, regulators, all of them.”