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NIH Faces Leadership Void, Scientists Fear Funding Shift

5/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) reassigned three scientists, leaving eight of ten leadership slots vacant.
Sixteen of 27 National Institutes of Health (NIH) institutes lack directors after resignations and terminations under President Donald Trump.
Scientists warn the turnover could shift funding toward diseases and immunology, away from pandemic preparedness, HIV/AIDS and biodefence.
NIH director Jayanta Bhattacharya said the agency must reform and move away from politicized science.

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Story summary

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) reassigned three scientists, leaving eight of ten leadership slots vacant.
Sixteen of 27 National Institutes of Health (NIH) institutes lack directors after resignations and terminations under President Donald Trump.
Scientists warn the turnover could shift funding toward diseases and immunology, away from pandemic preparedness, HIV/AIDS and biodefence.
NIH director Jayanta Bhattacharya said the agency must reform and move away from politicized science.