Jay Bhattacharya tells hearing he is intent on protecting research, even as president takes axe to federal fundingDonald Trump’s nominee to run the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Jay Bhattacharya, told senators he was committed to ensuring scientists “have the resources they need” – even as the $48bn agency he hopes to lead has become a focus of the administration’s ideological war and cost-cutting efforts.At a confirmation hearing on Wednesday, Bhattacharya made a pitch for free scientific inquiry and an examination of the chronic disease epidemic, now a cornerstone of Republican health rhetoric, while hoping to serve in an administration that has frightened scientists into self-censorship. Continue reading...
Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, Donald Trump's nominee for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), testified during his Senate confirmation hearing, committing to protecting scientific research despite the administration's funding cuts and ideological conflicts. Bhattacharya emphasized the importance of scientific inquiry and freedom, aligning with Republican health rhetoric that opposes vaccine mandates. However, his nomination coincides with the administration's actions, including mass firings, funding freezes, and a measles outbreak, which have alarmed the scientific community. During the hearing, Bhattacharya stated his belief that good data could change minds on contentious issues like vaccine safety, though he remained vague on handling potential conflicts with the administration, expressing confidence that Trump would not ask him to break the law. Bhattacharya's background includes advocating against lockdowns during the pandemic, gaining him conservative support. Despite his promises, the administration's policies, such as cutting funding and implementing diversity reviews, continue to impact research.
