Dr. Robin Vanderpool has been named chief of the Health Communication and Informatics Research Branch in the Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences at the National Cancer Institute.

Dr. Paul Sieving retired as NEI director on July 29. When Sieving arrived at NEI in 2001, science was at a turning point, with recent sequencing of the first human genome. Under his direction, NEI created key resources that enabled researchers to employ new technologies in genetics, neuroscience and imaging.

Dr. Mark Mattson, renowned for his research on brain aging, Alzheimer’s disease and the health benefits of calorie restriction and intermittent fasting, retired from the National Institute on Aging recently.

Nine NIH’ers were recently named recipients of the Presidential Early-Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). PECASE is the highest honor given by the U.S. government to outstanding young scientists and engineers who show exceptional promise for leadership in science and technology.

In June, seven young adults graduated from Project SEARCH and celebrated with their proud families at a commencement ceremony. The program provides education and career-based training to talented young people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Dr. Maureen Goodenow, NIH associate director for AIDS research and director of the Office of AIDS Research, received the 2019 Esperanza (Hope) Award from the Latino Commission on AIDS on June 7 in New York City.

Dr. Dennis Drayna retired in June after 22 years of research, service and mentorship at the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. He was chief of the section on genetics of communication disorders and the Laboratory of Communication Disorders.

NIH is losing a major player in the development of its built environment. F. Anthony “Tony” Clifford, chief engineer in the Office of Research Facilities since 2003, retired recently.

Former NIH director Dr. James B. Wyngaarden died June 14 at age 94 in Durham, N.C., after a long illness. Appointed by President Ronald Reagan, he served as NIH director for more than 7 years.

NIH'ers celebrate coming in first, again, in metro area bike commuting. NIH had the most participants among large metro-area employers for Bike to Work Day, held on May 17.