Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, born in 1968 in Kolkata, India, is a physician, health economist, and professor at Stanford University. He earned his M.D. and Ph.D. in economics from Stanford University. His research focuses on the health and well-being of vulnerable populations, with an emphasis on the role of government programs and biomedical innovation.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Bhattacharya co-authored the Great Barrington Declaration, advocating for “focused protection” of high-risk groups while allowing others to resume normal activities to achieve herd immunity. This approach was widely criticized by public health experts and organizations, including the World Health Organization.

On November 26, 2024, President-elect Donald Trump nominated Bhattacharya as Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This nomination aligns with the administration’s intent to appoint individuals critical of previous pandemic policies.

Bhattacharya’s nomination has sparked debate due to his pandemic views and limited experience in leading large research institutions. Supporters commend his advocacy for scientific freedom, while critics express concerns about potential shifts in public health strategies. The Senate confirmation process will further assess his qualifications and policy perspectives.

In addition to his academic roles, Bhattacharya is a research associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research and a senior fellow at the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research.

His nomination is pending Senate confirmation.