The American Epilepsy Society (AES) is deeply concerned by reports that Dr. Walter J. Koroshetz, Director of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) within the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has been released from his leadership role.
At a time when biomedical research in the United States faces significant uncertainty, including funding constraints and instability for investigators and trainees, changes in leadership at NINDS raise serious concerns about continuity, progress, and trajectory of epilepsy research. Disruption at this level risks undermining hard-won momentum at a time when continued progress is urgently needed and within reach.
During Dr. Koroshetz’s tenure, NINDS has been a vital partner to AES and the broader epilepsy community. His leadership helped ensure that epilepsy research remains a national priority, supporting collaborative science and patient-centered research that advances care and outcomes for people with epilepsy.
AES encourages careful consideration of the potential impact that leadership changes may have on the future of epilepsy and neurological research, as well as on the patients who depend on this work. Decisions of this magnitude carry meaningful consequences for public trust, research momentum, and patient outcomes, and should reflect a clear commitment to transparency and scientific rigor.
AES is ready to engage with NIH, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the community—including partners, people with epilepsy, and key leaders—to work collaboratively in support of sustained leadership and a strong future for epilepsy research in the United States.