Exclusive: Key US infectious-diseases centre to drop pandemic preparation

Nature

by Max Kozlov

February 14, 2026

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The United States' National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has instructed its staff to remove references to "biodefense" and "pandemic preparedness" from their website. This move is part of a broader restructuring under new leadership, with the institute shifting focus towards basic immunology and current infectious diseases in the U.S., rather than preparing for future pandemics or bioterrorism threats. The reorganization reflects a new vision outlined by NIAID director Jay Bhattacharya, who aims to transform the institute away from its historical emphasis on HIV, biodefense, and pandemic preparedness. Approximately one-third of the NIAID's $6.6 billion budget currently supports research on emerging infectious diseases and biodefense, including monitoring pathogen spread and developing medical countermeasures against threats like radiation exposure and chemical warfare. Experts warn that deprioritizing these areas could leave the U.S. less prepared for future outbreaks. Nahid Bhadelia, director of Boston University’s Center on Emerging Infectious Diseases, cautions that neglecting biodefense efforts does not eliminate the risk of evolving pathogens spilling into human populations, potentially sparking new epidemics. The restructuring comes amid political scrutiny and leadership changes within NIAID. Acting director Jeffery Taubenberger is leading the institute following the departure of previous director Jeanne Marrazzo under controversial circumstances during the Trump administration. The reorganization also follows criticism from Republican politicians regarding public-health measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. This shift in focus raises questions about the balance between addressing immediate health challenges and preparing for future threats. While some argue that the

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Originally published on Nature on 2/14/2026