Several high-ranking scientists responsible for overseeing research on disease prevention and cures at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) were informed of their inclusion in a reduction in force on Tuesday. This action is part of a significant reduction in federal employees led by US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr., according to information obtained by WIRED.
Multiple anonymous sources within the NIH confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that at least 10 principal investigators, who were leading important medical research at the agency, had been dismissed. Among them is Dr. Richard Youle, a prominent researcher in neurodegenerative disorders, recognized with the Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences for his significant contributions to understanding Parkinson’s disease mechanisms.
The Breakthrough Prize ceremony, often dubbed the “Oscars of Science,” was previously attended by figures such as Elon Musk. His Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been instrumental in President Donald Trump’s efforts to significantly reduce the federal workforce.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) did not respond to WIRED’s inquiries regarding the dismissals of NIH scientists. Vianca Rodriguez, a spokesperson for the agency, referred to previous comments by Secretary Kennedy, which included recent announcements about the plan to eliminate 1,200 NIH positions in procurement, human resources, and communications.
NIH sources revealed to WIRED that the layoffs impacted not only labor, IT, and HR personnel but also several distinguished senior investigators at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and notable scientists at the National Institute on Aging. Researchers recognized for their work in HIV, emerging infectious diseases, and pediatric brain and neural disorders were also affected.
During a town hall meeting at NINDS on Tuesday, the institute’s leadership expressed surprise and confusion regarding the cuts, admitting they were caught off guard by the dismissal of principal investigators, or PIs, who head research teams. NIH has approximately 1,200 PIs across its 27 research centers and institutes. According to a source present at the meeting, Walter Koroshetz, director of the NINDS, said, “To get rid of 11 of our senior PIs … we’re hoping that’s a mistake, because we can’t figure out why they would want to do that.”
Labs affected by the layoffs include those conducting clinical trials as well as preclinical studies. It remains uncertain, according to NIH staff, what the future holds for the data they have collected or the patients participating in ongoing trials.
An email circulated on Tuesday to over 2,000 recent graduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows at NIH seemingly confirmed the dismissals of multiple PIs. Sharon Milgram, director of NIH’s Office of Intramural Training & Education, wrote in the email, “Many of us know someone, directly or indirectly, who received a termination notice today as part of an HHS-wide Reduction in Force.” WIRED received a copy of this email.
The NIH provides support to young researchers through various programs, which typically include temporary fellowships lasting one or two years. These early-career scientists work in labs under the supervision of a PI. In her communication, Milgram assured fellows involved in NIH’s postbaccalaureate, cancer research, and visiting fellows programs, whose PI received a reduction in force notice, that their fellowship appointments were not immediately terminated and that efforts would be made to explore reassignment options.
