HHS Seeks Experts for Two Federal Advisory Committees: Applications Open Through November 22
Washington: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced on October 22 that, through the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), it is seeking applications from subject matter experts to serve on two federal advisory committees that inform the nation's public health and medical preparedness, response and recovery: the National Biodefense Science Board (NBSB) and the National Advisory Committee on Children and Disasters (NACCD). Applications are open through November 22, 2026, and individuals may nominate themselves for consideration.
“The health threats our nation faces are evolving, and preparing for them requires expertise and perspectives from across science, medicine, public health and our communities,” said Sean Kaufman, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response. He said the committees bring together leaders with deep knowledge and real-world experience to help strengthen the nation's health security and ensure preparedness efforts reflect the needs of the people and communities served.
The National Biodefense Science Board advises the HHS Secretary and ASPR on scientific, technical and other matters related to public health and medical preparedness and response, including preparedness for infectious disease outbreaks and the health impacts of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats. The board also considers how advances in the biological and life sciences, biotechnology and genetic engineering may affect the nation's health, security and preparedness. Its 13 members are appointed by the HHS Secretary from among the nation's leading scientific, public health and medical experts, with backgrounds spanning the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries, academia, clinical health care, health care consumer organizations, pediatric health and preparedness, and state, tribal, territorial and local public health.
The National Advisory Committee on Children and Disasters advises the HHS Secretary and ASPR on the medical and public health needs of children in disasters, providing expert advice to strengthen all-hazards public health and medical preparedness, response and recovery for children and their families. Its 13 members bring expertise in pediatric emergency medicine, disaster planning, preparedness, response and recovery, mental and behavioral health, schools and child care, and the unique needs of children and youth with special health care needs, as well as the perspectives of parents and family caregivers. Members of both committees contribute through public meetings, deliberations and working groups addressing priority issues. Eligibility requirements, nomination instructions and additional information are available on the HHS call-for-applications webpage.
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：位于华盛顿的卫生与公众服务部（HHS）总部Hubert H. Humphrey大楼（资料图）。Sarah Stierch摄，CC BY 4.0，经维基共享资源。Photo: The Hubert H. Humphrey Building, headquarters of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, D.C. (file photo). By Sarah Stierch, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
