Several top scientists accused of overseeing the National Institutes of Health (NIH) disease prevention and treatment research were notified Tuesday that they were subject to power cuts as part of a catastrophic purge of federal employees conducted by US Health and Human Services Director Robert Kennedy Jr.
Several sources at the NIH confirmed anonymity as they were not allowed to talk to the media, confirming that at least 10 lead investigators leading and leading medical research at the institution had been fired Tuesday afternoon. Among them is Dr. Richard Eure, a leading researcher in the field of neurodegenerative disorders. Previously, he was awarded the Life Science Breakthrough Award for his groundbreaking research identifying the mechanisms behind Parkinson’s disease.
Elon Musk attended the breakthrough ceremony, often referred to as the “Oscars of Science,” last year. That Elon Musk served as the tip of the spear in President Donald Trump’s campaign to eliminate large strips of federal workforce by Government Efficiency (DOGE).
HHS did not answer Wired’s questions about the NIH scientist’s firing. Vianca Rodriguez, a spokesman for the agency, pointed to an earlier statement by Secretary Kennedy. This included a plan to eliminate 1,200 NIH jobs in the areas of procurement, HR and communications.
According to multiple NIH sources, layoffs include senior investigators at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and top scientists at the National Institute of Aging, as well as work in HIV, and several researchers have drawn attention to their work with HIV, including the emergence of infectious diseases, brain and neurological diseases in children.
At Ninds Town Hall meeting on Tuesday, leadership at the institute expressed confusion about the cuts and said they were blinded by the fire of the lead investigator or PI leading the research team. The NIH has approximately 1,200 PIs in 27 centres and laboratories. “To get rid of 11 of our senior PIs… I hope that’s a mistake because I don’t understand why they want to do it,” said Walter Koroshetz, director of Ninds.
Laboratories affected by layoffs include those involved in clinical trials and preclinical studies. NIH staff said it was unclear what the plan for the data they have accumulated, or what will happen to patients involved in ongoing trials.
An email sent on Tuesday to more than 2,000 recent college alumni, graduate students, and fellow postdocs working at the NIH appears to confirm multiple PI shootings. “Many of us know someone, directly or indirectly, who received a termination notice today as part of a reduction in the power of the entire HHS,” reads an email from Sharon Milgram, director of the Intramural Training & Education Office at NIH.
NIH supports young researchers through a variety of programs, typically temporary one- or two-year fellowships. These early career scientists will be placed in the lab under the PI. Milgram tells fellows at the NIH Postback Karaurea, Cancer Research and Visiting Fellows program, where PI received the RIF notification:
