Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo Named Next Director of NIAID by NIH
Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo has been appointed as the next director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) by the National Institutes of Health. This announcement comes as Dr. Hugh Auchincloss Jr., the acting director since Dr. Anthony Fauci’s resignation in December, prepares to step aside. Dr. Marrazzo, who currently leads the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), will assume the role in the fall.
NIAID is the second largest center at NIH and has a budget of $6.3 billion. The institute focuses on supporting research related to infectious, immunologic, and allergic diseases. Notably, it played a crucial role in the country’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, including the development of vaccines.
Dr. Fauci, a prominent figure in the field, expressed his satisfaction with Dr. Marrazzo’s appointment. He believes she is well-liked and capable of excelling in her new position. Dr. Marrazzo is highly regarded for her involvement in the prevention of sexually transmitted infections, specifically in HIV prevention. Her notable contributions include leading a large study in Africa that tested oral and vaginally applied medications to prevent HIV in women.
Dr. Carlos del Rio, interim dean of the Emory University School of Medicine, commended Dr. Marrazzo, describing her as a remarkable physician, researcher, and advocate. He emphasized her ability to tackle tough challenges, a quality she is known for.
Dr. Marrazzo’s new role as the director of NIAID is anticipated to bring fresh perspectives and insights to the institute’s ongoing research efforts. With her extensive experience in infectious diseases and passion for finding solutions, she is poised to make a significant impact in this crucial field.
As she prepares to take on this exciting opportunity, Dr. Marrazzo is eager to address the upcoming challenges with her characteristic determination and drive. Her appointment is an exciting development for the scientific community and the fight against infectious diseases as a whole.
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