Rohan Hazra, M.D., has been named the new director of NICHD’s Division of Extramural Research (DER), which coordinates and funds a broad portfolio of scientific research and training programs across the United States and internationally.
“Dr. Hazra brings a wealth of experience as a researcher, clinical trialist, and science administrator to his role as DER Director,” said NICHD Director Diana W. Bianchi, M.D. “I am confident that his leadership will help us continue and even accelerate progress toward our institute’s scientific and public health goals.”
Dr. Hazra had been serving as the acting director of DER since February 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic began. During this challenging time, he excelled at keeping NICHD’s extramural program focused and productive. Prior to being appointed DER acting director, Dr. Hazra was chief of the Maternal and Pediatric Infectious Disease Branch (MPIDB) within DER. In this role, he provided scientific leadership for domestic and international research, research training, and career development programs related to the epidemiology, diagnosis, pathogenesis, transmission, treatment, and prevention of HIV and other selected pathogens in infants, children, adolescents, and pregnant people.
DER staff develop, implement, and coordinate multidisciplinary research activities to advance NICHD’s mission of understanding human development, improving reproductive health, enhancing the lives of children and adolescents, and optimizing abilities for all. The division’s portfolio encompasses biological, behavioral, and clinical research related to conception and pregnancy, normal and abnormal development in childhood, reproductive health, and population dynamics across the lifespan.
Dr. Hazra’s research interests include studying the long-term impact of HIV and its treatment on children, adolescents, and young adults with perinatally acquired HIV. He also is involved in clinical trials evaluating new antiretroviral medications and treatment strategies for children with HIV, especially those living in resource-limited countries.
Dr. Hazra received his bachelor’s degree in biology from Yale University and his medical degree from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He completed a pediatric residency and pediatric infectious disease fellowship at Children's Hospital in Boston. Prior to joining NICHD in 2007, he conducted clinical studies in pediatric HIV in the National Cancer Institute’s intramural program. Dr. Hazra is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics in both pediatrics and pediatric infectious diseases.
BACK TO TOP