NIH Scientists Face Continued Layoffs Despite Reassurances from RFK Jr.

In a surprising development within the US biomedical research community, several top scientists at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), are still facing layoffs despite public assurances from U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that no active researchers would be dismissed. These layoffs, which occurred last month, have impacted approximately 100 staff members across 11 laboratories, primarily affecting young trainees and early-career scientists. Although Kennedy stated during a U.S. Senate hearing on May 14 that only administrative personnel had been affected, reports confirm that senior scientists, including renowned figures like Richard Youle—an esteemed investigator recognized for his work on Parkinson’s disease and a recipient of the $3 million Breakthrough Prize—are among those laid off. Youle, who has been with NIH since 1978, has reportedly received multiple job offers from outside the U.S., emphasizing fears of a brain drain. Similarly, other distinguished researchers specializing in neurodegeneration and brain communication have also been let go. This situation raises concerns about the potential long-term impact on vital neurological research. The NIH layoffs extend to other divisions, including the National Cancer Institute and the Office of Research Facilities, which are integral to labs’ safety and supply chain management. Despite Kennedy’s assertions and efforts by NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya to rectify what was believed to be a mistake, no official reintegration of laid-off scientists has been announced. The miscommunication and ongoing job losses threaten to undermine scientific progress and the United States’ leadership in medical research, prompting alarm among professionals and advocacy groups. Overall, the situation highlights the challenges faced by federal research agencies amid funding constraints and policy decisions that could have lasting effects on scientific innovation.