Dr. James E. Hamner III died June 6 at age 88. An internationally renowned pathologist and author of numerous scientific books and articles, he enjoyed a distinguished career with the National Institute of Dental Research (now NIDCR) and NCI over many years, with a particular focus on oral cancer research.

Dr. George J. Galasso, a leader in antiviral research whose efforts led to the successful treatment of many viral infectious diseases and cancer, died Nov. 5.

Dr. Michael Sayre, director of NIMHD’s Division of Integrative Biological and Behavioral Sciences (IBBS), retired from federal service in September after 22 years at NIH.

Dr. Edward Roccella, formerly a leading public health expert in hypertension and cardiovascular disease at NHLBI, died on Nov. 18 at age 77.

Dr. Cathleen Cooper retired in September after more than 20 years at the Center for Scientific Review.

NIDDK director emeritus and senior investigator Dr. Phillip Gorden has retired after 55 years of service to NIH.

Dr. Zu-Hang Sheng, senior investigator and chief of NINDS’s synaptic function section, recently received the 2021 Dr. Francisco S. Sy Award for Excellence in Mentorship from the Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) of the Department of Health and Human Services.

NCATS CIO Sam Michael recently was recognized with a Service to the Citizen: Champions of Change Award for his leadership in the National Covid Cohort Collaborative (N3C) initiative.

Dr. Rina Das has been named director of the Division of Integrative Biological and Behavioral Sciences (IBBS) at the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities.

I plan to retire end of 2021 and while it is something that I dearly look forward to, it is a bittersweet feeling. It is difficult to leave the NIH family behind, mine for close to 35 years. I joined in June 1987 as a CRADA fellow with a pharmaceutical company.