Rheumatology Organizations Urge NIH to Expedite NIAMS Director Search
February 23, 2026 | Advocacy
ATLANTA – The American College of Rheumatology (ACR), the Rheumatology Research Foundation (RRF), and the Arthritis Foundation today expressed deep concern over the recent non-renewal of Dr. Lindsey Criswell’s tenure as Director of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) and called on the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to promptly establish a search committee to identify and appoint her successor.
NIAMS—the lead federal institute supporting arthritis and rheumatic disease research—plays a vital role in improving the diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life for nearly 60 million Americans, including 300,000 children, living with arthritis. Its research portfolio supports more than 1,500 grants nationwide and drives scientific innovation aimed at reducing chronic pain and disability.
Dr. Criswell’s five-year tenure was marked by meaningful progress in advancing basic, translational, and clinical research across arthritis and rheumatic diseases. Her leadership, the groups noted, strengthened collaborations across research networks, and helped sustain US leadership in chronic disease research.
“Dr. Criswell’s visionary leadership at NIAMS helped shape an era of scientific innovation advancing care for millions of people living with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases,” said Dr. William F. Harvey, MD, MSc, FACR, president of the American College of Rheumatology. “Swiftly appointing a permanent successor who will continue her momentum is critical to ensuring continuity in research funding and confidence among investigators tackling these complex, disabling conditions.”
The Rheumatology Research Foundation, the largest private funding source for rheumatology research and training in the US, reinforced the importance of NIAMS leadership stability to sustaining the nation’s research infrastructure.
“NIAMS plays a central role in the nation’s biomedical research ecosystem—providing the foundation upon which private and public investments build,” said Bryce A. Binstadt, MD, PhD, president of the Rheumatology Research Foundation. “A timely appointment of a new director is essential to maintaining continuity in grant funding, guiding scientific priorities, and ensuring that investigators and institutions can operate within a stable framework. Disruptions in NIAMS leadership can reverberate across the research pipeline, affecting trainees, laboratories, and multi-year collaborations that depend on predictable federal support.”
The Arthritis Foundation emphasized that ongoing leadership vacancies across NIH threaten to stall progress at a time when arthritis prevalence and costs are reaching unprecedented levels. Sixteen of NIH’s 27 institutes are currently without permanent directors—a historic gap that raises alarms among patients, clinicians, and the research community.
All three organizations underscored that the continuity of NIAMS leadership is essential to sustaining the institute’s long-term strategic direction. They also urged Congress to exercise its oversight and appropriations responsibilities to ensure accountability and stability across the agency.
The ACR, Rheumatology Research Foundation, and the Arthritis Foundation reaffirmed their commitment to working collaboratively with NIH leadership and federal policymakers to secure the resources, leadership, and strategic coordination needed to advance research and improve outcomes for people living with arthritis and rheumatic diseases.
Media Contact
Teri Arnold
Director, Public Relations & Communications
tarnold@rheumatology.org
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About the American College of Rheumatology
Founded in 1934, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) is a not-for-profit, professional association committed to advancing the specialty of rheumatology that serves nearly 10,500 physicians, health professionals, researchers and scientists worldwide. In doing so, the ACR offers education, research, advocacy and practice management support to help its members continue their innovative work and provide quality patient care. Rheumatology professionals are experts in the diagnosis, management and treatment of more than 100 different types of arthritis and rheumatic diseases.
About the Rheumatology Research Foundation
The Rheumatology Research Foundation is the largest private funding source of rheumatology research and training programs in the US. Established in 1985, the Foundation is focused on advancing patient care and accelerating discoveries in rheumatic diseases. Learn more about the Foundation >
About the Arthritis Foundation
The Arthritis Foundation is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to the fight against arthritis—the nation’s #1 cause of disability. Through groundbreaking scientific research, patient-centered programs, advocacy at all levels of government and robust community engagement, the Foundation empowers people to live their best lives while relentlessly pursuing a cure. With a presence in communities nationwide, we amplify the voices of those affected and work to drive lasting change. Learn more about the Arthritis Foundation >