On April 29, 2025, a research facility within the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) was ordered by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to cease research activities. The facility, the Integrated Research Facility in Maryland, conducts treatment and prevention research on ebola and other infectious diseases. The facility’s director was also placed on administrative leave.
According to media reports, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) claims that the research pause was due to “identification and documentation of personnel issues involving contract staff that compromised the facility’s safety culture . . . During the stand-down, no research will be conducted, and access will be limited to essential personnel only, to safeguard the facility and its resources.”
Scientists note that the pause is an “[immense] sacrifice to research” and it will be costly to re-start the research activities if/when the pause is lifted. The agency has not provided an end date for the pause.