Infectious disease expert Jeanne Marrazzo to replace Fauci as NIAID director

Infectious disease expert and HIV researcher Jeanne M. Marrazzo, MD, of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), will be the new director of the National Institute of Health’s (NIH’s) National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) starting in the fall, replacing Anthony Fauci, MD, who retired at the end of last year.

Marrazzo is the director of the Division of Infectious Diseases at UAB. Her research has focused on HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs); the human microbiome, especially as it relates to STIs and hormonal contraception in women; managing bacterial vaginosis; and antibiotic resistance in gonorrhea. She has been a principal investigator on NIH grants since 1997 and has served often as a peer reviewer and advisory committee member, according to an NIH news release.

NIAID conducts and supports research to better understand, treat, and prevent infectious and immunologic and allergy-related diseases. Marrazzo will oversee NIAID’s annual budget of $6.3 billion.

Leader, mentor, scientist

“Dr. Marrazzo brings a wealth of leadership experience from leading international clinical trials and translational research, managing a complex organizational budget that includes research funding and mentoring trainees,” said Lawrence A. Tabak, DDS, PhD, NIH acting director.

Dr. Marrazzo brings a wealth of leadership experience.

“As director of our Division of Infectious Diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic, Jeanne served as a trusted advisor and friend who gave us the insights, guidance and confidence that allowed our institution to thrive in spite of immense challenges,” said UAB President Ray Watts, MD, and Senior VP of Medicine Anupam Agarwal, MBBS, in a UAB press release. “She also helped inform the world, as she participated in constant local, national and global media interviews throughout the pandemic, sharing critical information and perspectives.”

Carlos Del Rio, MD, president of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), said in an IDSA statement, “Dr. Marrazzo is an exceptional infectious diseases physician, leader, mentor, and scientist who has dedicated her career to key areas of research … IDSA and its members have experienced firsthand Dr. Marrazzo’s effective, engaging, and visionary leadership.”