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Office of the Scientific Director (OSD)

OSD OSD oversees more than 60 research programs of more than 60 scientific investigators and more than 250 trainees in the Division of Intramural Research (DIR).

DIR's objective is to conduct research that helps ensure the birth of healthy infants, improves the health of infants and children as they develop into adulthood, and optimizes the health of women. DIR research focuses on acquiring knowledge, using a wide range of technologies and model systems, to enhance the understanding of the full range of human development and reproduction. DIR is credited with scientific advances in many areas, from vaccines to molecular imaging.

Christopher McBain, Ph.D., is the scientific director of DIR. Dr. McBain assumed this role in January 2023 after serving as the acting director since June 2021. He also leads his own lab on cellular and synaptic physiology.

In August 2024, Henry Levin, Ph.D., was appointed the deputy scientific director. He also leads his own lab on eukaryotic transposable elements.

The DIR Office of the Scientific Director offers the following Core Facilities as resources to its investigators:

The Management section of the Office of the Scientific Director includes the Office of Education, the Administrative Management Branch, the Office of the Clinical Director, and the Research Animal Management Branch.

The following graduate medical education programs are offered through the DIR Office of the Scientific Director:

Highlights

Research Highlights from DIR: Learn about select scientific advances from each affinity group through this quarterly showcase.

Annual Report of the DIR: Describes DIR investigators' activities and progress for the previous year

DIR-Related NICHD News: Provides explanations of recent findings from DIR scientists

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