A significant outcry has erupted within the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Over 100 employees, including Dr. Alexander Grinberg, a director at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, have publicly released the “Bethesda Declaration.” This bold statement directly addresses NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, demanding an immediate reversal of recent controversial decisions.

The declaration, signed by numerous NIH employees using their real names, alongside others who chose anonymity citing fears of retaliation, strongly condemns policies perceived as detrimental to the NIH’s core mission. These policies, according to the declaration, “undermine the NIH mission, waste public resources, and harm the health of Americans and people across the globe.”

Specific concerns highlighted in the declaration include the termination of grant submissions, a perceived targeting of universities, the halting of funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) research, and the dismissal of NIH workers deemed unnecessary. The signatories argue that these actions lack justification and have severe negative consequences.

This unprecedented internal rebellion underscores the significant tension and dissent brewing within the NIH. The implications of this open challenge to leadership are far-reaching and will undoubtedly shape the future direction of the agency.