NIH Vigil 5/23/2026

This Week’s Updates and Discussion

The Good

• 27 UNIHTED's Probationary Project publishes results.

• Senators pressed NIH Director over the slow pace of grant funding and NIAID leadership losses amidst two active viral outbreaks.

• HHS backs down on one pathway to weaken vaccine advisory panel.

The Bad

• RFK Jr. fires heads of key preventive health panel.

• Pandemic preparedness in freefall. With NIAID leadership gutted, NIH's infectious disease research network dismantled, and cuts to U.S. funding for foreign aid, the country is dangerously unprepared.

• White House orders its app installed on all federal employees' phones.

The Ugly

• Federal workers less engaged, more burnt out, and job hunting. New Gallup study.

• FEMA unprepared as hurricane season begins.

• New immigration restriction further diminishes US attractiveness to foreign talent.

Calls to Action

• Stand up for the National Science Board

• Impeach Vought campaign has 1,776+ signatures!

• Take the Federal Employee Exit Survey (May 29)

• Submit comments on NIH’s strategic plan (May 26)

Upcoming Events

5/30 and 6/13 - Free DC’s advanced training on non-cooperation theory and practice. Campaign orientation is a required prerequisite. 

6/9-10 -  PHA Policy Action Institute, Arlington VA (also virtual)