Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, nominee for director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), proposed to transform the agency’s research and restore public trust in the institution at his confirmation hearing on March 5.
The physician and former Stanford University professor first drew public attention in 2020 for his criticism of COVID-19-era interventions such as mask mandates, lockdowns, and school closures.
Bhattacharya and others argued for “focused protection” of vulnerable people while allowing low-risk groups to resume normal activities.
He later sued the government, alleging that it pressured social media companies to censor his views.
President Donald Trump nominated Bhattacharya in November 2024 to lead NIH with its $50 billion budget and staff of more than 25,000….