In this week’s editorial, I point out that we are still waiting for a nominee for a permanent NIH director. Larry Tabak is doing a fine job as the acting director, but multiple insiders told me that a confirmed director is a must on many fronts. Going without one for a year is allowing a lot of important priorities to slip.
Former NCI Director and FDA interim commissioner Ned Sharpless told me, “There are so many problems and opportunities that require the leadership of a Senate-confirmed director, and it’s getting harder to understand why a nomination hasn’t been made when there are outstanding individuals willing to take on the job.”
It’s bad for morale that they can’t get this done. Hopefully, with the midterms behind them, they’ll figure something out. Klain, Biden, and Becerra need to make this a priority.