While the best parts of biomedical innovation are represented by ringing the bell at a cancer hospital after the final round of chemotherapy, the worst are reminiscent of Frankenstein’s monster.
As investigators continue to gain insight into the early days of Covid-19, the origins of the pandemic may be still up for debate. In addition, congressional investigations into the National Institutes of Health have revealed that scientists have conducted, or have been granted approval to conduct, dangerous experiments with little oversight. And in some instances, they have been intentionally deceptive about research being conducted with taxpayer dollars. NIH officials have consistently resisted transparency at every stage of various congressional inquiries.
In addition, we have witnessed how the costs and complexities of administering an agency comprised of dozens of different institutes and centers, offices, and programs have created a fragmented system rife with stagnant leadership, as well as research duplication, gaps, and misconduct.
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