In a significant move, Dr. Matthew J. Memoli, the acting director of the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), has extended the appointments of three prominent neuroscience lab heads at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). The decision, announced on March 7, 2025, affects Dr. Mark Histed, Dr. Soohyun Lee, and Dr. Tobias Merson, whose tenure-track positions were set to expire due to a recent policy change initiated by the Trump administration.
Background
The three researchers were placed on unpaid leave until March 8, 2025, after their appointments were not considered for renewal as scheduled. This situation arose from a broader policy affecting many intramural tenure-track researchers and staff scientists across the NIH, who face similar uncertainties regarding their future appointments.
Intervention and Extension
The extension of these appointments follows a letter sent by nine members of the NIMH Board of Scientific Counselors (BSC) to Dr. Memoli and key members of the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. The letter, sent on March 4, 2025, urged intervention to restore the employment status of the affected scientists. This appeal appears to have been successful, as the NIH has now extended the appointments of these researchers, along with others in similar situations.
Jennifer Groh, chair of the BSC and a professor at Duke University, confirmed the extension in an email from Alfred C. Johnson, NIH’s deputy director for management and chief financial officer. While the exact duration of the extension is not specified, at least one of the researchers will have their appointment extended into 2026, with pay restored starting immediately1.
Impact on Research
The extension is welcomed by the scientific community, as it allows these researchers to continue their work. Dr. Histed’s lab focuses on neural computation and behavior, Dr. Lee’s work explores functional neural circuits, and Dr. Merson’s research delves into oligodendroglial cell function and myelination. These areas are crucial for advancing understanding and treatments in mental health and neurodegenerative diseases.
However, the broader implications of recent policy changes remain a concern. Dr. Nancy Kanwisher, a professor of cognitive neuroscience at MIT, notes that such uncertainties can damage U.S. science in the long term by disrupting long-term planning and recruitment in research1.
The decision by Dr. Memoli to extend the appointments of these neuroscience lab heads on March 7, 2025, is a significant step in maintaining continuity and stability in critical research areas. While this move provides immediate relief, it highlights the need for consistent and supportive policies to ensure the continued advancement of scientific research at the NIH.
Citations:
- https://www.thetransmitter.org/science-and-society/exclusive-acting-nih-director-extends-appointments-for-senior-neuroscientists-on-administrative-leave/
- https://gnnhd.tv/news/43295/researchers-are-terrified-of-trump-s-freeze-on-science-the-rest-of-us-should-be-too
- https://www.science.org/content/article/nih-memo-addresses-confusion-about-restrictions-imposed-trump-easing-some-concerns
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