Douglas Lowy has been named the acting director of the US National Cancer Institute, the National Institutes of Health has announced.
Lowy, who received the National Medal of Technology and Innovation in 2014 for his work that led to the development of the human papillomavirus vaccine, has served as the deputy director of the institute since July 2010.
"Dr. Lowy possesses not only a sharp intellect, deep knowledge of science, and proven leadership experience, but he takes a warm and humane approach to all things," NIH Director Francis Collins says in a statement. "He is superbly positioned to lead the NCI at a time of exceptional progress in cancer research."
Harold Varmus stepped down at the end of March as NCI director.