Director's Note

As 2023 comes to a close, I am reminded of the remarkable accomplishments from the last year that give us all reason to celebrate. The NIDDK family – in Bethesda, Maryland; Phoenix, Arizona; and among NIDDK-supported research institutions across the country and world – continued to advance basic and clinical research, helping us move ever closer to answering some of the most vexing questions in our mission.

In this issue, we share updates about some of these important advances, such as an interesting new approach to detect cancer earlier, and the people behind them. We celebrate notable achievements among staff, including NIDDK’s Executive Officer, Camille Hoover, who was honored with the Presidential Rank Award, the highest civilian honor bestowed by the President. Ms. Hoover was among several leaders at NIDDK who received prestigious federal service awards in 2023. This issue highlights their achievements, and the many other staff across NIDDK recognized this year for outstanding scientific and administrative contributions to our shared goal of exemplifying excellence in civil service and improving public health.

The end of year is also a time to anticipate new beginnings. In this issue, we share about two Science and Technology Policy Fellows who recently joined NIDDK, bringing their enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to help advance our mission.

We also celebrate the appointment of Dr. Maren Laughlin as the new Co-Director of the NIDDK Office of Obesity Research. Dr. Laughlin brings decades of expertise in physiology and metabolism from her longstanding service as a Senior Advisor in the Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolic Diseases, which promises to serve well in her new role.

And speaking of new beginnings, I couldn’t be more pleased to congratulate NIH’s new director, Dr. Monica Bertagnolli – NIH’s 17th director, and the first surgeon and second woman to hold the position. I look forward to working with Dr. Bertagnolli as she leads NIH in championing the nation’s medical research priorities.

In good health,

Griffin P. Rodgers, M.D., M.A.C.P.
Director, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
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