Friends of Cancer Research (Friends) thanks President Joe Biden for nominating Dr. Monica Bertagnolli as the Director of the National Institute of Health (NIH).

“At this critical time for innovation at the NIH, Dr. Bertagnolli will be the visionary leader we need,” said Ellen Sigal, Chair & Founder of Friends of Cancer Research. 

As the primary federal agency for conducting and supporting medical research, the NIH plays a critical role in advancing science to benefit patients.

“Dr. Bertagnolli is a physician scientist and a patient herself, and deeply understands the intricacies and personal impact of biomedical research.” said Ellen Sigal, Chair & Founder of Friends of Cancer Research. “In a short period of time, she has proven her leadership at the NCI, and I have no doubt she will do the same at the helm of NIH.”  

Dr. Bertagnolli is currently the Director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Prior to her role at the NCI, Dr. Bertagnolli was a professor of surgery at Harvard Medical School, and chief of the Division of Surgical Oncology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. In addition, she was the recent chair of the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology, a national clinical trial network of the NCI.

Dr. Bertagnolli brings invaluable experience to the NIH at a critical time. We have full confidence in Dr. Bertagnolli’s nomination and ask the Senate to swiftly confirm her.

About Friends of Cancer Research 

Friends of Cancer Research (Friends) is working to accelerate policy change, support groundbreaking science, and deliver new therapies to patients quickly and safely. We unite scientists, pharmaceutical companies, and policy makers with shared trust and guide them toward meaningful cooperation. This collaboration among partners from every healthcare sector ultimately drives advances in science, policy, and regulation that speed life-saving treatments to patients. For more information, please visit https://friendsofcancerresearch.org/.