Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Dr. Judy Cho has been appointed as the new director of the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), with her tenure expected to begin on August 23, 2026.
According to NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya, M.D., Ph.D., Dr. Cho brings essential expertise to translate genomic discoveries into advances in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. She will oversee NHGRI’s budget of more than $660 million, which funds a broad range of extramural and intramural research, including basic and functional genomics, technology development, and clinical applications.
Dr. Cho previously served as dean and professor of translational genetics at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. There, she led research into the genetic factors of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), contributing to treatments for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis now in use. She also managed the BioMe BioBank Program, which combines patient blood samples and medical records for personalized medicine research.
In addition to her research and academic roles, Dr. Cho has provided expert guidance on genetics and genomics as a member of the National Advisory Council for Human Genome Research and the NIH’s National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Board of Scientific Counselors. She is a board-certified gastroenterologist and earned her medical degree from Ohio State University College of Medicine.