Murdoch University has appointed surgeon, human rights activist and former prisoner of conscience Dr Ma Thida as an Honorary Research Fellow of the Indo-Pacific Research Centre.

Dr Thida is recognised as one of Myanmar’s leading intellectuals – a large body of her work reflects on the country’s political situation through a lens of human rights.

After finishing her medical degree, Dr Thida worked as a surgeon in a hospital offering free services to the poor.

In October of 1993, she was sentenced to 20 years in prison for supporting the pro-democracy movement – particularly the party of Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi.

Whilst she was imprisoned, she was awarded several international human rights awards including the Reebok Human Rights Award and the PEN/Barbara Goldsmith Freedom to Write Award.

Due to increasing political pressure, efforts of human rights organisations like Amnesty International and PEN International, as well as her declining health, Dr Thida was released from prison in 1999 after serving five years, six months and six days.

Dr Thida later chaired PEN Myanmar, and, in 2016, she was both elected to the board of PEN International and honoured with the ‘Disturbing the Peace’ award given by the Vaclav Havel Library Foundation for her humanitarian values.

In 2021, soon after the military seized power in a coup, Dr Thida left Myanmar – but continues to advocate for a democratic government and human rights – including the rights of the persecuted Rohingya minority.

During her three-year fellowship with the IPRC, Dr Thida will complete a novel, produce a series of essays and commentaries on Myanmar and related regional issues, and assist the IPRC with organising a conference.

In April of 2026, Dr Thida presented the 2026 Myanmar Update, and published an IPRC policy brief titled: Understanding Myanmar’s current state after the sham election of 2025-2026.

Dr Thida said she felt “truly honoured” to learn the Murdoch University recognised her contributions.

“This invitation opens meaningful avenues for collaboration with fellow researchers and offers a chance to engage with the Centre’s impactful work,” she said.

Given that IPRC’s influence extends far beyond Australia and the Indo-Pacific, shaping policy conversations on a global scale, I am deeply gratified to be welcomed into its distinguished academic network.

IPRC Director Professor Jacqueline Lo said welcoming someone of Dr Thida’s calibre to our community was a privilege.

“Dr Thida’s appointment continues Murdoch University’s proud mission of social justice,” Professor Lo said.

“She will play a critical role in developing the IPRC’s collaborative research and policy initiatives related to Myanmar and Southeast Asia.”

Learn more about our Indo-Pacific Research Centre.