Lyric Jorgenson
About Lyric Jorgenson
Lyric Jorgenson serves as the Acting Associate Director for Science Policy and Acting Director of the Office of Science Policy at the National Institutes of Health. She has an extensive background in science policy, neuroscience research, and leadership roles in various government initiatives, including the White House Cancer Moonshot Task Force.
Current Role at National Institutes of Health
Lyric Jorgenson serves as the Acting Associate Director for Science Policy and Acting Director of the Office of Science Policy at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). In this role, she oversees science policy initiatives and coordinates efforts to advance scientific research and innovation. She has held this position since 2021 and continues to contribute to the NIH's mission of enhancing health through scientific discovery.
Previous Experience at National Institutes of Health
Jorgenson has extensive experience at the National Institutes of Health, having worked in various capacities since 2009. She served as a Science Policy Analyst from 2009 to 2012, followed by her role as a Science Policy Advisor and Analyst from 2012 to 2015. She briefly held the position of Acting Director of the Office of Biotechnology Activities in 2015-2016. Additionally, she was the Acting Associate Director for Science Policy for one month in 2021 before assuming her current role.
Educational Background and Research Focus
Lyric Jorgenson earned her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Neuroscience from the University of Minnesota, where she conducted research on neurodevelopment, focusing on learning and memory systems. She completed her doctoral studies from 2000 to 2005. Prior to that, she obtained a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Chemistry, and Neuroscience from Denison University from 1996 to 2000.
Involvement in National Initiatives
Jorgenson played a significant role in national health initiatives, particularly during her tenure as Deputy Executive Director of the White House Cancer Moonshot Task Force. She directed and coordinated cancer-related activities across the Federal government and worked to leverage investments across sectors to accelerate progress in cancer prevention. Additionally, she led the development of the Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative.
Fellowship and Early Career
Before her roles at the NIH, Jorgenson was a Science and Technology Policy Fellow at the American Academy for the Advancement of Science from 2008 to 2010. She also worked as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Minnesota from 2005 to 2008, where she further developed her expertise in neuroscience and science policy.