Jayanta "Jay" Bhattacharya, M.D., Ph.D., has officially assumed the role of the 18th Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). His nomination by President Trump on November 26, 2024, was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on March 25, 2025.
In his new role, Dr. Bhattacharya will manage the medical research agency and will be responsible for aligning its activities with the "Make America Healthy Again" Commission. "Under Dr. Bhattacharya’s leadership, NIH will restore its commitment to gold-standard science," said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. "I’m excited to work with Dr. Bhattacharya to ensure NIH research aligns with our Administration’s priorities—especially tackling the chronic disease epidemic and helping to Make America Healthy Again."
Reflecting on his plans, Dr. Bhattacharya stated, "Chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity continue to cause poor health outcomes in every community across the United States. Novel biomedical discoveries that enhance health and lengthen life are more vital than ever to our country’s future." He further expressed his dedication to enhancing NIH's history of supporting major breakthroughs by fostering high-standard research and innovation to combat chronic disease.
Dr. Bhattacharya is known for his work as a doctor, researcher, and health economist. He previously served as a tenured professor at Stanford University's medical school, focusing on population aging and chronic disease, with an emphasis on vulnerable populations. During the pandemic, he coauthored the Great Barrington Declaration, advocating for reopening schools and lifting lockdowns while protecting vulnerable older populations.
His leadership at NIH will prioritize diverse viewpoints and aim to rebuild public trust in science. Together with Secretary Kennedy, Dr. Bhattacharya intends to promote cutting-edge research delivering immediate benefits for patients while supporting basic science.
Dr. Bhattacharya's academic credentials include a bachelor's and master's degree in economics from Stanford University, along with a medical degree and a Ph.D. in economics from the same institution. He succeeds Matthew J. Memoli, M.D., who acted as the NIH Director since January 22, 2025.
The National Institutes of Health, a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting research aimed at understanding and treating common and rare diseases. More information about NIH and its programs can be found at www.nih.gov.
