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NIH Director Faces Backlash Over Policy Cuts and Fear

6/9/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Jay Bhattacharya, the new director of the NIH, is under fire as over 300 officials rally against controversial policy shifts and budget cuts. A "culture of fear" has emerged, fueled by political pressure on research funding. As protests and resignations mount, Bhattacharya's silence on staff concerns only intensifies the unrest within the agency.

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Story summary

Jay Bhattacharya, the new director of the NIH, is under fire as over 300 officials rally against controversial policy shifts and budget cuts. A "culture of fear" has emerged, fueled by political pressure on research funding. As protests and resignations mount, Bhattacharya's silence on staff concerns only intensifies the unrest within the agency.