On Aug. 1, 1985, Richard D. Klausner became the eleventh director of the National Cancer Institute, serving until 2001.

During Dr. Klausner’s tenure at NCI, cancer incidence and mortality have fallen and major strides have been made in cancer control, diagnosis, and treatment. He noted that NCI’s funding grew significantly and was “very well supported” by the Clinton administration and now by the Bush administration.

President Bush’s fiscal year 2001 budget request for NCI is just over $4 billion; Dr. Klausner had asked for some $5 billion, noting that it is usual for an institute director, using his professional judgment, to ask for more than the administration grants. NCI spends 73 percent of its money on extramural research—funding for outside researchers—and 16 percent of its budget on intramural research—funding for those based on the NIH campus.

Dr. Klausner—a Phi Beta Kappa in molecular biophysics and biochemistry at Yale and a graduate of Duke University Medical School—has spent his professional career at NIH; when he was chosen to head NCI, he was Chief of the Cell Biology and Metabolism Branch of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD).

Dr. Klausner received accolades when he announced his resignation from NCI. Among them is this one from Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson: “As NCI director, Rick summoned a unique blend of scientific and administrative talents to guide basic and clinical cancer research to new heights. His tireless efforts have contributed to a greater understanding of cancer as well as the development of innovative treatments that are helping thousands of people beat cancer. His vision and leadership will be thoroughly missed.”