Science Under Siege: Why NIH Experts Walked Away

The Bethesda Declaration

At the start of 2025, a group of seasoned scientists and administrators at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) expected the usual changes with a new administration. They hoped that the NIH, known worldwide for its top-notch health research, would keep supporting solid science.

But as the year went on, they saw policies that worried them. By June, they had joined others in signing the Bethesda Declaration, a public letter criticizing new policies that seemed to hurt scientific integrity.

The Turning Point

The turning point came when these experts decided to resign. They couldn't stay at an organization that put politics ahead of science. One of them even quit just last Friday.

Reasons for Leaving

Their reasons for leaving were clear. They saw the NIH leadership saying one thing but doing another. For example:

• They were told to censor words like "equity" and "diversity" in grant applications, even if those words were important to the research.
• They saw funding for early-career scientists and health disparities research being cut or canceled without proper review.

This wasn't just about science; it was about people's health and the future of research.

A Tense Atmosphere

The atmosphere at the NIH became tense. Colleagues who spoke up about questionable orders were silenced or even forced out. Many felt scared to voice their concerns.

The scientists who resigned didn't make this decision lightly. They had spent years at the NIH, doing work they loved. But they felt they had to leave to stay true to their values and their oath to protect the Constitution.

A Growing Trend

They're not alone. Many others have left or are planning to. Some are even retiring early.

A Call to Action

The scientists who resigned hope their story will encourage others to speak up and stand together. They believe that by working as a team, they can fight back against political interference and protect science and democracy.

They also urge researchers to keep fighting for important causes, like health equity and climate change, even if the NIH isn't supporting them right now.