The Senate confirmed Jay Bhattacharya as the new leader of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) with a 53-47 vote.
Bhattacharya, a health researcher, became widely known during the COVID-19 pandemic for his opposition to mask mandates and school closures. He was a key figure behind the Great Barrington Declaration, advocating for herd immunity through focused protection of high-risk individuals.
Despite criticism from top health officials, Bhattacharya has vowed to foster a culture of dissent at the NIH. As head of the world’s largest biomedical research funder, Bhattacharya aims to prioritize science that is replicable and reproducible.
Additionally, he plans to address chronic health issues, aligning with Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s goals. The NIH’s credibility has been shaken by prior political interference, and Bhattacharya is committed to restoring trust and scientific integrity.
