Director of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Ousted

The contract for Walter Koroshetz, MD, as Director of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) has not been renewed, ending his leadership of the institute after 10 years. Dr. Koroshetz’s departure comes despite a positive internal review and a recommendation for reappointment from National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Jayanta Bhattacharya, MD, PhD.

Dr. Koroshetz informed NINDS staff late Friday that his reappointment to a third 5-year term had been denied, with his final day reportedly occurring over the weekend. He noted that a short-term extension was possible but uncertain. His dismissal leaves 14 of NIH’s 27 institutes and centers without permanent leadership. The NIH referred requests for comment to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which declined to comment.

In a statement, the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) expressed significant concern about the abrupt decision to end Koroshetz’s contract, citing the absence of consultation with neurology stakeholders and the lack of a clear succession plan. The organization emphasized the NINDS’s central role in advancing evidence-based neurological research and urged meaningful engagement with the neurology community as new leadership is considered.

Source: American Academy of Neurology. Statement on sudden departure of NINDS director. AAN. Published December 27, 2025. Accessed December 29, 2025. https://email.aan.com/statement-on-sudden-departure-of-ninds-director?ecid=ACsprvuSD1VWmNe2YPYOSrTNWFFdgRHH0PgZvn1F6bQ-7mV2AOVhNk4KAVQtEEotzC1eYynytPig&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email

Kaiser, J. Firing of neuroscience institute chief adds to NIH’s leadership vacuum. Science. Published 29 December, 2025. Accessed 29 December, 2025. https://www.science.org/content/article/firing-neuroscience-institute-chief-adds-nih-s-leadership-vacuum