Overview

• Kennedy notified Marrazzo in a Sept. 26 letter that her NIAID appointment was terminated, citing his authority to appoint NIH institute directors, according to copies reviewed by news outlets.
• Marrazzo had been placed on indefinite leave in March and filed a complaint with the U.S. Office of Special Counsel in September alleging illegal retaliation and efforts to sideline vaccine research.
• Her attorney called the dismissal illegal and retaliatory, and Marrazzo urged Congress to safeguard scientific research from political interference.
• Marrazzo’s complaint accused acting NIH leader Matthew Memoli of downplaying vaccines; HHS responded that he supports evidence-based vaccine priorities.
• Reporting indicates additional NIH institute directors were removed, as Kennedy has overhauled vaccine advisory panels and shifted research and policy priorities.