Dr. Jay Bhattacharya faces scrutiny during his Senate confirmation hearing to lead the NIH, promising to introduce a culture of free speech and scientific dissent.

Dr. Francis Collins, the former NIH director, has retired amid turmoil at the agency due to budget cuts and layoffs under the Trump administration, with mixed reviews of his leadership during the pandemic.

Dr. Francis S. Collins announced his retirement from the National Institutes of Health after 12 years, emphasizing respect for his colleagues and hinting at the challenges faced during the Trump administration.

Medical research labs are on alert due to proposed funding cuts by the Trump administration that could cap NIH funding for indirect costs. Researchers like Dr. Donald Milton express concern about how these changes might impact vital research related to respiratory viruses, while a temporary legal block complicates the situation.