Walter Koroshetz, M.D., director of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), departed the NIH, adding to a string of recent leadership exits across the agency. The departure leaves multiple institutes under interim leadership and raises questions about continuity for neuroscience programs and funded research portfolios. The story highlights risks to oversight, long‑term strategic initiatives and morale amid ongoing policy and funding uncertainty. For context: institute directors set research priorities, advise on funding distribution and represent scientific constituencies to federal stakeholders.