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New NIH Infectious Disease Chief Appointed
9 Jun
Summary
- Dr. John Powers III named acting director of infectious disease institute.
- Appointment follows outbreaks of Hantavirus and Ebola diseases.
- NIAID budget exceeds $6.5 billion for infectious disease research.

The National Institutes of Health has appointed Dr. John Powers III as the acting director of its infectious disease institute. This appointment follows recent concerning outbreaks of diseases such as Hantavirus and Ebola, highlighting the critical role of the agency.
Dr. Powers, previously the deputy director, steps into the leadership role as the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has been without a permanent leader since last year. The institute is the second-largest within the NIH, boasting a budget exceeding $6.5 billion.
NIAID has been instrumental in research and the development of treatments and preventative measures for numerous infectious diseases, including Ebola. Dr. Powers's prior experience includes advising senior leadership on strategic initiatives in infectious diseases research and medical interventions.