In the search for an ARPA-H director, the White House is zeroing in on DARPA veterans

WASHINGTON — The White House is zeroing in on former DARPA officials as candidates to lead the Biden administration’s new high-stakes science agency, ARPA-H.

Francis Collins, who is currently serving as White House science adviser, has spoken with at least four people who served in health or life sciences roles at the famed Pentagon research office, according to four sources familiar with the search process. The new biomedical sciences agency, the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health, is explicitly modeled after DARPA.

The candidates Collins has spoken with regarding the opening include the neuroscientist Justin Sanchez, biologist Renee Wegrzyn, genomics researcher Brad Ringeisen, and materials scientist Alicia Jackson.

STAT+ Exclusive Story

Already have an account? Log in

This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers

Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts.

Already have an account? Log in

Individual plans

Group plans

Monthly

$39

Totals $468 per year

$39/month Get Started

Totals $468 per year

Starter

$20

for 3 months, then $399/year

$20 for 3 months Get Started

Then $399/year

Annual

$399

Save 15%

$399/year Get Started

Save 15%

11+ Users

Custom

Savings start at 25%!

Request A Quote Request A Quote

Savings start at 25%!

2-10 Users

$300

Annually per user

$300/year Get Started

$300 Annually per user

View All Plans

To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+.

Subscribe

Log In