STAT+: Acting head of NIH’s infectious disease institute reported to have stepped down
Jeffery Taubenberger has reportedly stepped down as the acting head of the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). His departure adds to the leadership challenges at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The reasons for his resignation remain unclear, and inquiries to the Department of Health and Human Services have gone unanswered.
- ▪Jeffery Taubenberger was serving as the acting director of NIAID since April 2025.
- ▪Senator Tammy Baldwin announced Taubenberger's resignation during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing.
- ▪Taubenberger's status has not been confirmed by the Department of Health and Human Services despite multiple inquiries.
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STAT PlusBreaking News Acting head of NIH’s infectious disease institute reported to have stepped down Exit of Jeffery Taubenberger, director of NIAID, would widen leadership vacuum at nation’s top biomedical research agency Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article Jeffery Taubenberger, who had been acting director of NIAID, is seen here with NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya.Mark Finkenstaedt for Food Allergy Fund via AP By Helen Branswell and Anil OzaMay 21, 2026 Helen BranswellHelen Branswell covers issues broadly related to infectious diseases, including outbreaks, preparedness, research, and vaccine development. Follow her on Mastodon and Bluesky.
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