Sharpless to step down as National Cancer Institute director
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National Cancer Institute Director Norman E. “Ned” Sharpless, MD, announced Monday that he will step down from the position after nearly 5 years, according to an NCI press release.
Sharpless will continue to lead the agency through April 29, after which NCI Principal Deputy Director Douglas R. Lowy, MD, will become acting director. Lowy held the acting director position before Sharpless was sworn in as the 15th NCI director Oct. 17, 2017, and also while Sharpless served as acting FDA commissioner in 2019.
“Working at the National Cancer Institute has been the highlight of my career, and I am honored to have had the chance to serve my country in this role, alongside so many talented scientists and administrators,” Sharpless said in the press release. “I leave this job knowing that the talent and passion present at NCI, across the Biden-Harris administration and throughout the cancer research community, will continue to fuel tremendous progress for people with cancer in the years ahead.”
Sharpless said collaboration among researchers, caregivers, advocates and survivors to solve difficult problems in cancer has inspired him during his years in federal government.
“President [Joe] Biden’s continued commitment to the Cancer Moonshot will foster even greater progress,” he said in the release. “The community stands ready to meet the president’s call to end cancer as we know it.”
HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra noted Sharpless’ efforts to minimize the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals with cancer.
“He’s a true public servant, and his work will continue to serve the American people and ensure a brighter future for everyone affected by cancer,” Becerra said in the press release.
During his tenure at NIH, Sharpless championed health equity; developed key programs in data science, including the Childhood Cancer Data Initiative; and advocated for policies to ensure ongoing support for investigator-initiated research into cancer and diversity of the research workforce, the press release stated. He also led the development of NCI’s Equity and Inclusion Program in 2020.
“Dr. Sharpless’ ability to manage complex problems has been invaluable to several NIH initiatives, including the agency’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and improving equity and inclusion, and in his role as chair of the NIH Clinical Center Governing Board,” acting NIH Director Lawrence A. Tabak, DDS, PhD, said in the release. “Dr. Sharpless’ absence will surely be felt by his colleagues at NCI and beyond. But I have the utmost confidence in Doug Lowy’s leadership of NCI during this transition period. He is a seasoned and thoughtful leader who will guide the institute with a steady hand until a permanent director is appointed by the president.”
Prior to his role as NCI chief, Sharpless served as director of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. He received his undergraduate degree in mathematics and his medical degree from UNC School of Medicine. He completed his residency at Massachusetts General Hospital and his clinical and research fellowship in hematology and oncology at Dana-Farber/Partners Cancer Care.
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