During his confirmation hearings to lead the National Institutes of Health, Jay Bhattacharya emphasized the importance of embracing dissenting views in science. Now, a group of scientists within the agency have publicly challenged policies they believe undermine the NIH mission and harm public health.

The Bethesda Declaration, signed by 92 NIH researchers and endorsed by 250 more colleagues, criticizes the termination of research grants and the negative impact on ongoing studies. The letter was also sent to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and members of Congress.

The signers of the declaration accuse the Trump administration of creating a 'culture of fear and suppression' within the federal civil service. They highlight instances where clinical trials were halted abruptly, leaving participants without proper care.

Jenna Norton, a lead organizer of the declaration, revealed the challenges faced by NIH employees and the impact on research efforts. The signers drew inspiration from Bhattacharya's previous Great Barrington Declaration, which questioned COVID-19 lockdown policies.

Employees from various NIH institutes and centers expressed their support for the declaration, emphasizing the importance of academic freedom in scientific research. The signers believe that indiscriminate grant terminations and freezes on ongoing research are detrimental to the progress of vital studies.

Despite potential risks to their careers, NIH employees are speaking out against what they perceive as harmful policies that compromise public health and scientific integrity. The declaration serves as a unified voice of dissent within the agency.

It remains to be seen how Bhattacharya and the Trump administration will address the concerns raised by NIH employees who are advocating for the preservation of critical research efforts.