The National Institutes of Health has appointed Dr. Judy Cho to lead the National Human Genome Research Institute. Dr. Cho, previously a professor of translational genetics and dean at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, begins her tenure on August 23, 2026. NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya noted that her background aligns with the goals of turning genomic discoveries into clinical applications.
In her new capacity, Dr. Cho oversees a budget exceeding 660 million dollars. This funding supports both intramural and extramural programs, including the development of new technologies, functional genomics research, and the ethical evaluation of genetic findings. The institute also prioritizes training programs for the next generation of scientists in the field.
Dr. Cho brings two decades of experience to the role. She is recognized for her work in identifying genetic contributors to inflammatory bowel disease, which influenced current treatments for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Her experience also includes oversight of the BioMe BioBank Program, a repository of patient data that serves as a resource for personalized medicine research.
Before this appointment, Dr. Cho served on the National Advisory Council for Human Genome Research and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Board of Scientific Counselors. She is a board-certified gastroenterologist and a member of the National Academy of Medicine. Her career focus remains on bridging the gap between genetic research and patient care.