Anthony Fauci, the head of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases who became the face of America’s coronavirus pandemic response, is to step down from his role by January 2025, he has confirmed.

The man nicknamed “America’s doctor” told Politico he would stand down by the end of Joe Biden’s first term as president. He confirmed to the Financial Times he intended to pursue “other professional pursuits” when he does so.

Fauci, who has led NIAID for nearly 40 years, rose to international prominence during the pandemic, winning fans with frequent appearances in the media and at the White House podium. But he also became a lightning rod for political disagreements over the best way to deal with the virus, coming under attack from conservatives for his stances on mask-wearing and vaccinations.