ADA News
Dr. Tabak named NIH deputy director; Dr. Garcia acting director of NIDCR
Bethesda, Md.—National Institutes of Health Director Francis S. Collins, M.D., appointed Dr. Lawrence A. Tabak, who has directed the nation's dental research effort over the last decade, as NIH principal deputy director effective Aug. 23, 2010.
"I am delighted to have Dr. Tabak as deputy director during this critical time for biomedical research," Dr. Collins said. "His outstanding service in numerous activities across the NIH and combination of skills and experience will help the NIH move forward in these revolutionary times for the biomedical sciences."
Dr. Tabak has been director since Sept. 2000 of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research http://www.nidcr.nih.gov, the nation's major source of dental, oral and craniofacial research funds. The Association testifies annually in support of congressional appropriations for the NIDCR.
"I am very pleased to have the opportunity to work more closely with Dr. Collins and his leadership team to contribute to NIH's continued success in supporting biomedical research, career development and training," Dr. Tabak said. "While I will surely miss my day-to-day interactions with my colleagues at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, and the members of the dental, oral and craniofacial research community, it will be a great privilege to serve NIH in this way."
Dr. Tabak cited "the extraordinary experience and privilege of leading the NIDCR over the last decade" and said he "benefited enormously from remarkable support that the members of the oral health research community have afforded me during the intervening years."
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| Dr. Garcia |
In a message to his senior staff and directors of the 27 NIH institutes and centers, Dr. Collins said Dr. Tabak has maintained an active research lab within the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases while directing the NIDCR. "We are all familiar with his outstanding service in numerous trans-NIH activities as acting principal deputy director from November 2008 to August 2009 and recently as acting director of DPCPSI." Until a new director arrives, Dr. Tabak will continue as acting director of the NIH division of program coordination, planning, and strategic initiatives.
