Story perspectives

CDC's Acting Director Faces NIH Criticism Amid Challenges

3/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

Jay Bhattacharya has temporarily taken over as acting director of the CDC while remaining at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
NIH employees say his divided attention may hinder critical issues, including rising health insurance costs for early-career scientists.
Bhattacharya's leadership coincides with a drop in grant success rates for early-career researchers.
Many NIH institutes lack permanent directors, complicating governance.
Critics call for a dedicated director to address pressing needs.

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Story summary

Jay Bhattacharya has temporarily taken over as acting director of the CDC while remaining at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
NIH employees say his divided attention may hinder critical issues, including rising health insurance costs for early-career scientists.
Bhattacharya's leadership coincides with a drop in grant success rates for early-career researchers.
Many NIH institutes lack permanent directors, complicating governance.
Critics call for a dedicated director to address pressing needs.