Larry Tabak, a prominent figure at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has announced his retirement after a long and distinguished career. Sources familiar with his decision have confirmed that Tabak, a dentist and researcher, served as the principal deputy director of the NIH since 2010. His tenure, spanning four presidential administrations, included a significant period as the acting director following the departure of Francis Collins in 2021.
Tabak’s retirement, at the age of 73, comes at a time of uncertainty for the NIH, a crucial federal agency dedicated to biomedical research with an annual budget of $47 billion. The current administration has introduced several changes that have disrupted the agency’s operations, including a freeze that forced the cancellation of important study sections where funding decisions are made. Additionally, a recent decision to cap indirect costs at 15% is expected to have far-reaching implications for the biomedical research community, potentially costing universities millions of dollars.
During his tenure, Tabak navigated the transitions between different administrations, providing stability and leadership at the NIH. He worked closely with various directors, including Collins and Monica Bertagnolli, and played a key role in shaping the agency’s priorities and initiatives. However, with the nomination of Jay Bhattacharya as the new NIH director by President Trump, the agency faces a period of transition and change.
In the interim, Matthew Memoli, a researcher at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, is serving as the acting director. The Senate has yet to schedule confirmation hearings for Bhattacharya, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the agency’s leadership. Despite these challenges, the NIH remains a vital institution in the field of biomedical research, with a longstanding reputation for excellence and innovation.
As Tabak retires, his contributions to the NIH and the broader scientific community will be remembered and celebrated. His dedication to advancing medical research and improving public health has left a lasting impact on the field. The NIH will continue to play a crucial role in supporting groundbreaking research and finding solutions to pressing health challenges, guided by a new generation of leaders committed to its mission.
