Several senior scientists responsible for overseeing research into disease prevention and cures at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) received notices on Tuesday indicating they were part of a workforce reduction initiated by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr., according to information obtained by WIRED.
Anonymously speaking with WIRED, multiple sources at the NIH confirmed that at least 10 principal investigators, who lead and direct medical research at the agency, were dismissed. Among those affected is Dr. Richard Youle, a prominent researcher in neurodegenerative disorders, known for his award-winning research on Parkinson’s disease mechanisms.
The Breakthrough Prize ceremony, similar to the “Oscars of Science,” had previously been attended by Elon Musk, whose Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been instrumental in President Donald Trump’s efforts to substantially reduce the federal workforce.
The Department of Health and Human Services did not respond to inquiries from WIRED regarding the NIH scientist layoffs. Vianca Rodriguez, a spokesperson for the agency, instead highlighted prior statements by Secretary Kennedy, which included plans outlined the previous week to cut 1,200 NIH jobs in procurement, human resources, and communications sectors.
WIRED was informed by several NIH sources that the layoffs affect not only personnel in labor, IT, and human resources but also include notable senior investigators at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), leading scientists at the National Institute on Aging, and researchers distinguished for their work on HIV, emerging infectious diseases, and child brain and neural disorders.
During an NINDS town hall meeting on Tuesday, the institute’s leadership expressed surprise at the cuts, noting they were unprepared for the dismissal of principal investigators, who head research teams. The NIH comprises approximately 1,200 principal investigators across its 27 centers and institutes. Walter Koroshetz, director of the NINDS, reportedly remarked on the confusion caused by the furlough of 11 senior investigators, suggesting it might be an error given the lack of clarity on the decision’s rationale.
The layoffs have affected labs conducting both clinical trials and preclinical studies. However, NIH staff noted a lack of clarity regarding the future of the accumulated data and the fate of patients participating in ongoing trials.
An email distributed on Tuesday to over 2,000 recent college graduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows at the NIH seemed to further confirm the dismissal of multiple principal investigators. Sharon Milgram, director of NIH’s Office of Intramural Training & Education, acknowledged in the email, viewed by WIRED, that many individuals knew someone who had received a termination notice that day, as part of a broader Health and Human Services reduction in force initiative.
Milgram’s email also reassured fellows in NIH’s postbaccalaureate, cancer research, and visiting fellows programs whose principal investigator had received a reduction in force notice, stating that their fellowship appointments were not immediately ending and that efforts would be made to explore reassignment options soon.
