NIH Advisory Committee to the Director Convenes 

The NIH Advisory Committee to the Director (ACD) met on December 12th and 13th for a packed agenda, including numerous updates on a wide range of NIH activities from Early Career and Diversity to the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study (ABCD) and Alzheimer’s. The meeting also included the last Director’s Report from NIH Director Dr. Monica Bertagnolli, who is expected to submit her resignation on the first day of the incoming administration. Dr. Lawrence Tabak, Principal Deputy Director, will serve as the Acting Director as NIH awaits the confirmation of Trump nominee Dr. Jay Bhattacharya (see newsletter article).  

Among staff changes, Dr. Bertagnolli mentioned that Dr. Shelli Avenevoli will continue to serve as the Acting Director of the National Institute of Mental Health until a permanent Director is named. The job vacancy announcement deadline to apply was recently extended until February 28, 2025. Dr. Bertagnolli also announced the retirement of Dr. Marie Bernard from her position as the NIH Chief Officer for the Scientific Workforce Diversity (COSWD).  

Additionally, the ACD received budget and legislative updates from Neil Shapiro, Associate Director for Budget, and Kate Klimczak, Associate Director for Legislative Policy and Analysis, respectively.    

The report on the Scientific Management Review Board (SMRB) may be of particular interest to FABBS members (see newsletter article). As reported by Dr. Tabak, the SMRB has been charged with the task to evaluate the current structure of NIH and propose changes that will enhance the ability of the Agency to fulfil its mission. Accordingly, the SMRB advises and makes recommendations to the HHS Secretary and the NIH Director on the use of organizational authorities to: 

• Establish or abolish Institutes and Centers 

• Reorganize offices within the Office of the Director 

• Reorganize within and across Institutes and Centerrs 

During the discussion, ACD member Dr. Brian Mustanski, a psychologist at Northwestern University, raised the importance of implementation science and encouraged the SMRB to consider pathways from research to real world impact during their deliberations. FABBS has recommended that SMRB include experts from our disciplines to help think through the contributions and implications of the behavioral and brain sciences. 

[Agenda] [Videocast — Day 1] [Videocast — Day 2]