National Institutes of Health lays off hundreds more staff, including at cancer research institute

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has made the difficult decision to lay off hundreds of employees, including staff at its esteemed cancer research institute. This unexpected move has left many current and former employees reeling, as the department had previously stated that no further cuts were planned.

Approximately 200 employees received layoff notices on a Friday evening, catching NIH officials off guard. One laid-off employee expressed their shock, stating, “We thought the worst was behind us, and we were transitioning into this new phase, and the rug was just pulled out from underneath us.” The reasons behind NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya’s decision to seek additional layoffs remain unclear, as the NIH spokesperson redirected inquiries to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

HHS officials confirmed that fewer than 250 employees across the department were impacted by the layoffs, with plans to bring back the same number of employees in critical areas. The second round of cuts was reportedly made to compensate for the reinstatement of other scientists, in order to meet layoff targets set by the department.

The savings from these reductions are intended to redirect resources towards critical programs and enhance the agency’s ability to serve the public effectively. Andrew Nixon, the HHS spokesperson, emphasized the goal of reducing waste and maximizing the impact of taxpayer dollars through these measures.

The layoffs included around 50 employees from the NIH’s National Cancer Institute (NCI), particularly from the Office of Communications and Public Liaison. These employees were responsible for overseeing vital programs like the Cancer Information Service, which provides essential information to healthcare providers and patients. The decision to cut staff came shortly after discussions about consolidating communication efforts within a new centralized arm across the agency.

While several communication offices at NIH institutes had already experienced significant cuts earlier in April, NCI’s team had been spared until now. The recent layoffs underscore the challenging restructuring process within the agency, as leadership navigates the need to streamline operations and meet organizational goals.

In conclusion, the recent layoffs at the NIH, especially within the NCI, have sent shockwaves through the organization. As the agency adapts to changing priorities and financial constraints, employees and stakeholders alike are bracing for further shifts in the healthcare landscape.