Story perspectives

Maryland Jury Indicts Ex-NIAID Adviser Over Wuhan Grant

4/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

Maryland jury indicted former NIAID adviser David Morens for using Gmail to hide communications about an NIH grant to EcoHealth Alliance, which Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche called abuse of trust.
Prosecutors allege Morens used Gmail to share NIH data for a $3.1 million EcoHealth Alliance grant that funded Wuhan Institute research.
He faces five years for conspiracy, up to 20 years per record-destruction count, and three years per concealment count.

History

Historical Context

The 2014 U.S. gain-of-function pause—prompted by biosecurity lapses and covering 18 NIH-funded studies—was lifted in December 2017, allowing projects like the $3.1 million EcoHealth Alliance grant to the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Now, NIAID adviser David Morens faces indictment for allegedly using Gmail to hide communications about that funding, reviving calls for stricter oversight.

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Story summary

Maryland jury indicted former NIAID adviser David Morens for using Gmail to hide communications about an NIH grant to EcoHealth Alliance, which Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche called abuse of trust.
Prosecutors allege Morens used Gmail to share NIH data for a $3.1 million EcoHealth Alliance grant that funded Wuhan Institute research.
He faces five years for conspiracy, up to 20 years per record-destruction count, and three years per concealment count.

1 / 2