NIH Faces Leadership Turmoil Amid Resignations

Dr. Lawrence Tabak, the principal deputy director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has resigned, citing no specific reason. His resignation follows scrutiny over gain-of-function research funding in China and reports of an unacceptable impending reassignment. Tabak's departure, viewed as part of a broader shakeup within the Department of Health and Human Services under President Trump, aligns with recent program cuts and plans to dismiss numerous employees. He was also involved in controversies regarding the origins of COVID-19. The NIH faces further leadership challenges with the resignation of deputy director Michael Lauer, exacerbating the agency's current instability. These changes mark a turbulent period for the NIH, raising questions about its future direction.