National Scientific Advisory Committee

NSAC Hero Image
NSAC Hero Image
What Is the National Scientific Advisory Committee

National Scientific Advisory Committee (NSAC)

The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation was founded in 1967 with a mission to cure Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life for millions of children and adults in the United States affected by these diseases. The Foundation sponsors basic, translational, and clinical research, and educational programs for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals, while providing supportive services to help patients and their families cope with these chronic intestinal diseases. The National Scientific Advisory Committee (NSAC) is key in helping the Foundation achieve its mission.

NSAC Overview

The NSAC includes researchers and healthcare professionals in various GI care fields. They collaborate with the Foundation’s staff through topic-specific committees. The NSAC Cabinet consists of the chairs and co-chairs.

Key NSAC Roles:

  • Research:

    • NSAC members advise the Foundation on the direction of research programs, scientific policies, and scientific priorities. They review investigator-initiated research grant applications for scientific merit and relevance to IBD.

  • Education and support

    • NSAC members guide professional, patient, and caregiver education and support programs and contribute to content development.

  • Stakeholder engagement

    • The NSAC encourages engagement of healthcare professionals in our work to increase diversity in medical volunteers, expand membership, and advise the Foundation on advocacy and policy matters at the local and national levels. 

Peter Higgins, NSAC chair
Peter Higgins, NSAC chair
The NSAC is committed to improving the care and quality of life of IBD patients. We welcome you to join our diverse group of professional volunteers to help achieve this mission.
Meet the 2024–2027 NSAC Cabinet

Video Length 00:03:17

Join our National Scientific Advisory Committee: How it helps you & the community

 

Research-Specific Committees

Grants Council

Theresa Pizarro, PhD, Chair
Theresa Pizarro, PhD

Chair

Declan McCole, PhD, Co-Chair
Declan McCole, PhD

Co-Chair

 

Senior Research Awards Committee

Andrei Ivanov, PhD, Chair
Andrei Ivanov, PhD

Chair

Loris Lopetuso, MD, PhD, Co-Chair
Loris Lopetuso, MD, PhD

Co-Chair

 

Research Fellowship and Career Development Awards Committee

Frank Scott, MSCE, Chair
Frank Scott, MSCE

Chair

Nobu Kamada, PhD, Chair
Nobu Kamada, PhD

Chair

Ivan Zanoni, PhD, Co-Chair
Ivan Zanoni, PhD

Co-Chair

Clinical Research Awards Committee

Bharati Kochar, MD, Chair
Bharati Kochar, MD

Chair

Hans Herfarth, MD, PhD, Chair
Hans Herfarth, MD, PhD

Chair

Shirley Cohen-Mekelburg, MD, Co-Chair
Shirley Cohen-Mekelburg, MD

Co-Chair

Litwin IBD Pioneers

Jeremiah Faith, PhD, Chair
Jeremiah Faith, PhD

Chair

Shrinivas Bishu, MD, Co-Chair
Shrinivas Bishu, MD

Co-Chair

Randy Longman, MD, PhD
Randy Longman, MD, PhD

Co-Chair

Ad Hoc Conflict Review Committee

Matthew Ciorba, MD
Matthew Ciorba, MD

Chair

Lee Ann Chen, MD, Co-Chair
Lee Ann Chen, MD

Co-Chair

Education and Support-Specific Committees

Nurse & Advanced Practice Committee

Abigail Meyers, PA
Abigail Meyers, PA

Chair

Amy Doneghan, APN
Amy Doneghan, APN

Co-Chair

Professional Education Committee

Gary Lichtenstein, MD
Gary Lichtenstein, MD

Chair

Kathryn Tomasino, PhD
Kathryn Tomasino, PhD

Co-Chair

REACH-IBD Committee

Taha Qazi, MD
Taha Qazi, MD

Co-Chair

Kelly Cushing, MD, MSCI
Kelly Cushing-Damm, MD, MSCI

Co-Chair Elect

Patient Education Committee

Elisa Boden, MD
Elisa Boden, MD

Chair

Tauseef Ali, MD
Tauseef Ali, MD

Co-Chair

Pediatric Affairs Committee

Jennifer Dotson, MD
Jennifer Dotson, MD

Chair

Mariastella Serrano, MD
Mariastella Serrano, MD

Co-Chair

Stakeholder-Specific Committees

Diversity & Inclusion

Ruby Greywoode, MD
Ruby Greywoode, MD

Chair

Kimberly Kearns, APN
Kimberly Kearns, APN

Co-Chair

Government and Industry Affairs

Angela Sandell, MD
Angela Sandell, MD

Chair

Ross Maltz, MD
Ross Maltz, MD

Co-Chair

Ariel Jordan, MD
Ariel Jordan, MD

Co-Chair

Professional Membership Committee

Ben Cohen, MD
Ben Cohen, MD

Co-Chair

Adam Ehrlich, MD
Adam Ehrlich, MD

Co-Chair

Liaisons

IBD Plexus

James Lewis, MD
James Lewis, MD

Chief Scientist

IBD Qorus

Corey Siegel, MD
Corey Siegel, MD

PI

Gil Melmed, MD
Gil Melmed, MD

PI

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Journal

Sonia Friedman, MD
Sonia Friedman, MD

Deputy Editor

Fabio Cominelli, MD
Fabio Cominelli, MD

Editor

Crohn's & Colitis 360

Miguel Regueiro, MD
Miguel Regueiro, MD

Editor in Chief

Aline Charabaty, MD
Aline Charabaty, MD

Deputy Editor

Women in IBD

Lea Ann Chen, MD
Lea Ann Chen, MD

Co-Chair

Jami Kinnucan, MD
Jami Kinnucan, MD

Co-Chair

 

2024-2027 NSAC

Abigail Myers, PA-C
Adam Cheifetz, MD
Adam Ehrlich, MD
Alessandro Fichera, MD
Alexander Levy, MD
Ali Fuss, MD
Aline Charabaty Pishvaian, MD
Alka Goyal, MD
Amanda Johnson, MD
Amanda Wenzel, MD
Amy Doneghan, APN
Andrei Ivanov, PhD
Angela Sandell, MD
Angelina Collins, NP
Anil Sharma, MD
Anish Patel, DO
Ann Flynn, MD
Ann Shum, APN
Ariel Jordan, MD
Benjamin Cohen, MD
Bharati Kochar, MD
Billie Marie Melli, RN
Bincy Abraham, MD
Brian Kann, MD
Brittany Rogers, RD
Bryan Herrera, PharmD
Catherine Grantham, RD
Charlotte Rensberger, APN
Colin Quinn, RN
Corey Siegel, MD
Dana Lukin, MD
Daniel Stein, MD
Danielle Gaffen, RD
David Choi, PharmD
David Gardinier, RD
David Rubin, MD
Declan McCole, PhD
Dedrick Moulton, MD
Diana Riera, MD
Donna Bacchus, PhD
Dorothy Wallace, MA
Eashen Liu, MD
Edward Barnes, MD
Elisa Boden, MD
Elizabeth Scoville, MD
Elliott Gordon, MD
Eugene Yen, MD
Fabio Cominelli, MD
Frank Farraye, MD
Frank Scott, MSCE
Freddy Caldera, DO
Gary Lichtenstein, MD
Gaurav Syal, MD
Gauree Konijeti, MD
George Salem, MD
Gil Melmed, MD
Haley Mertens, MD
Hans Herfarth, MD
Harry Thomas, MD
Heba Iskandar, MD
Helena in't Veld, APN
Hilary Michel, MD
Ira Leeds, MD
Isabel Roitman, APN
Ivan Zanoni, PhD
Jacob Kuraowski, MD
James Lewis, MD
James Lord, MD
Jami Kinnucan, MD
Jana Al-Hashash, MD
Jared Magee, DO
Jason Shapiro, MD
Jeanine Maclin, MD
Jennifer Dotson, MD
Jennifer Seminerio, MD
Jenny Sauk, MD
Jeremiah Faith, PhD
Jeremy Adler, MD
Jessica Gerson, PhD
Jonathan Moses, MD
Jose Aguirre, MD
Joseph Picoraro, MD
Kalin Clark, PsyD
Kathryn Tomasino, PhD
Katie Dunleavy, MD
Kayci Huff-Hardy, MD
Kelly Cushing-Damm, MD
Kelly Issokson, RD
Kian Keyashian, MD
Kimberly Kearns, APN
Kira Dubester, MD
Lara Hart, MD
Laura Bauman, MD
Laura Smith-Tucker, APN
Laurie Grossberg, MD
Lea Ann Chen, MD
Leonard Baidoo, MD
Lilani Perera, MD
Lisa Cannon, RN
Lisa McMahon, MD
Lisa Mueller, MD
Lori Beeken, RN
Loris Lopetuso, MD
Maria Abreu, MD
Mariastella Serrano, MD
Marina Ivanov, PharmD
Marita Kametas, APN
Mary Kate Preite (Lapinel), NP
Matthew Ciorba, MD
Mazer Ally, MD
Melanie Bierenbaum, PhD
Michele Rubin, APN
Michelle Worthington, APN
Miguel Regueiro, MD
Minesh Patel, DO
Molly Stone, MD
Mukta Krane, MD
Namita Singh, MD
Neha Shah, RD
Nobu Kamada, PhD
Paul Rufo, MD
Peter Higgins, MD
Phoung Luu, PA
Rachel Conklin, PA
Rachel Dyckman, RD
Rajesh Shah, MD
Randy Longman, MD
Robin Dalal, MD
Ross Maltz, MD
Ruby Greywoode, MD
Sabina Ali, MD
Samantha Paglinco, DO
Sameer Berry, MD
Sandra Kim, MD
Sasha Taleban, MD
Sean Fine, MD
Serre-Yu Wong, MD
Shail Govani, MD
Shannon Chang, MD
Sharon Dudley-Brown, PhD
Sharon Perry, APN
Sharon Rimon, APN
Shervin Rabizadeh, MD
Shirley Cohen-Mekelburg, MD
Shrinivas Bishu, MD
Shubha Bhat, PharmD
Sobia Mujtaba, MD
Sonia Friedman, MD
Stacy Ogbeide, PsyD
Stephanie Gold, MD
Stephen Lupe, PsyD
Stephen P. James, MD
Suja Davis, PhD
Sujaata Dwadasi, MD
Suresh Pola, MD
Taha Qazi (Sonny), MD
Tanvi Dhere, MD
Tauseef Ali, MD
Teri Jackson, APN
Theresa Pizarro, PhD
Tiffany Linville, MD
Tolulope Falaiye, MD
Victor Chedid, MD
Vitaliy Poylin, MD
Yezaz Ghouri, MD
Yi Min Teo, RD
Zachary Borman, MD

Video Length 00:03:17

Join our National Scientific Advisory Committee: How it helps you & the community

 

Research-Specific Committees

Grants Council

Theresa Pizarro, PhD, Chair
Theresa Pizarro, PhD

Chair

Declan McCole, PhD, Co-Chair
Declan McCole, PhD

Co-Chair

 

Senior Research Awards Committee

Andrei Ivanov, PhD, Chair
Andrei Ivanov, PhD

Chair

Loris Lopetuso, MD, PhD, Co-Chair
Loris Lopetuso, MD, PhD

Co-Chair

 

Research Fellowship and Career Development Awards Committee

Frank Scott, MSCE, Chair
Frank Scott, MSCE

Chair

Nobu Kamada, PhD, Chair
Nobu Kamada, PhD

Chair

Ivan Zanoni, PhD, Co-Chair
Ivan Zanoni, PhD

Co-Chair

Clinical Research Awards Committee

Bharati Kochar, MD, Chair
Bharati Kochar, MD

Chair

Hans Herfarth, MD, PhD, Chair
Hans Herfarth, MD, PhD

Chair

Shirley Cohen-Mekelburg, MD, Co-Chair
Shirley Cohen-Mekelburg, MD

Co-Chair

Litwin IBD Pioneers

Jeremiah Faith, PhD, Chair
Jeremiah Faith, PhD

Chair

Shrinivas Bishu, MD, Co-Chair
Shrinivas Bishu, MD

Co-Chair

Randy Longman, MD, PhD
Randy Longman, MD, PhD

Co-Chair

Ad Hoc Conflict Review Committee

Matthew Ciorba, MD
Matthew Ciorba, MD

Chair

Lee Ann Chen, MD, Co-Chair
Lee Ann Chen, MD

Co-Chair

Education and Support-Specific Committees

Nurse & Advanced Practice Committee

Abigail Meyers, PA
Abigail Meyers, PA

Chair

Amy Doneghan, APN
Amy Doneghan, APN

Co-Chair

Professional Education Committee

Gary Lichtenstein, MD
Gary Lichtenstein, MD

Chair

Kathryn Tomasino, PhD
Kathryn Tomasino, PhD

Co-Chair

REACH-IBD Committee

Taha Qazi, MD
Taha Qazi, MD

Co-Chair

Kelly Cushing, MD, MSCI
Kelly Cushing-Damm, MD, MSCI

Co-Chair Elect

Patient Education Committee

Elisa Boden, MD
Elisa Boden, MD

Chair

Tauseef Ali, MD
Tauseef Ali, MD

Co-Chair

Pediatric Affairs Committee

Jennifer Dotson, MD
Jennifer Dotson, MD

Chair

Mariastella Serrano, MD
Mariastella Serrano, MD

Co-Chair

Stakeholder-Specific Committees

Diversity & Inclusion

Ruby Greywoode, MD
Ruby Greywoode, MD

Chair

Kimberly Kearns, APN
Kimberly Kearns, APN

Co-Chair

Government and Industry Affairs

Angela Sandell, MD
Angela Sandell, MD

Chair

Ross Maltz, MD
Ross Maltz, MD

Co-Chair

Ariel Jordan, MD
Ariel Jordan, MD

Co-Chair

Professional Membership Committee

Ben Cohen, MD
Ben Cohen, MD

Co-Chair

Adam Ehrlich, MD
Adam Ehrlich, MD

Co-Chair

Liaisons

IBD Plexus

James Lewis, MD
James Lewis, MD

Chief Scientist

IBD Qorus

Corey Siegel, MD
Corey Siegel, MD

PI

Gil Melmed, MD
Gil Melmed, MD

PI

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Journal

Sonia Friedman, MD
Sonia Friedman, MD

Deputy Editor

Fabio Cominelli, MD
Fabio Cominelli, MD

Editor

Crohn's & Colitis 360

Miguel Regueiro, MD
Miguel Regueiro, MD

Editor in Chief

Aline Charabaty, MD
Aline Charabaty, MD

Deputy Editor

Women in IBD

Lea Ann Chen, MD
Lea Ann Chen, MD

Co-Chair

Jami Kinnucan, MD
Jami Kinnucan, MD

Co-Chair

 

2024-2027 NSAC

Abigail Myers, PA-C
Adam Cheifetz, MD
Adam Ehrlich, MD
Alessandro Fichera, MD
Alexander Levy, MD
Ali Fuss, MD
Aline Charabaty Pishvaian, MD
Alka Goyal, MD
Amanda Johnson, MD
Amanda Wenzel, MD
Amy Doneghan, APN
Andrei Ivanov, PhD
Angela Sandell, MD
Angelina Collins, NP
Anil Sharma, MD
Anish Patel, DO
Ann Flynn, MD
Ann Shum, APN
Ariel Jordan, MD
Benjamin Cohen, MD
Bharati Kochar, MD
Billie Marie Melli, RN
Bincy Abraham, MD
Brian Kann, MD
Brittany Rogers, RD
Bryan Herrera, PharmD
Catherine Grantham, RD
Charlotte Rensberger, APN
Colin Quinn, RN
Corey Siegel, MD
Dana Lukin, MD
Daniel Stein, MD
Danielle Gaffen, RD
David Choi, PharmD
David Gardinier, RD
David Rubin, MD
Declan McCole, PhD
Dedrick Moulton, MD
Diana Riera, MD
Donna Bacchus, PhD
Dorothy Wallace, MA
Eashen Liu, MD
Edward Barnes, MD
Elisa Boden, MD
Elizabeth Scoville, MD
Elliott Gordon, MD
Eugene Yen, MD
Fabio Cominelli, MD
Frank Farraye, MD
Frank Scott, MSCE
Freddy Caldera, DO
Gary Lichtenstein, MD
Gaurav Syal, MD
Gauree Konijeti, MD
George Salem, MD
Gil Melmed, MD
Haley Mertens, MD
Hans Herfarth, MD
Harry Thomas, MD
Heba Iskandar, MD
Helena in't Veld, APN
Hilary Michel, MD
Ira Leeds, MD
Isabel Roitman, APN
Ivan Zanoni, PhD
Jacob Kuraowski, MD
James Lewis, MD
James Lord, MD
Jami Kinnucan, MD
Jana Al-Hashash, MD
Jared Magee, DO
Jason Shapiro, MD
Jeanine Maclin, MD
Jennifer Dotson, MD
Jennifer Seminerio, MD
Jenny Sauk, MD
Jeremiah Faith, PhD
Jeremy Adler, MD
Jessica Gerson, PhD
Jonathan Moses, MD
Jose Aguirre, MD
Joseph Picoraro, MD
Kalin Clark, PsyD
Kathryn Tomasino, PhD
Katie Dunleavy, MD
Kayci Huff-Hardy, MD
Kelly Cushing-Damm, MD
Kelly Issokson, RD
Kian Keyashian, MD
Kimberly Kearns, APN
Kira Dubester, MD
Lara Hart, MD
Laura Bauman, MD
Laura Smith-Tucker, APN
Laurie Grossberg, MD
Lea Ann Chen, MD
Leonard Baidoo, MD
Lilani Perera, MD
Lisa Cannon, RN
Lisa McMahon, MD
Lisa Mueller, MD
Lori Beeken, RN
Loris Lopetuso, MD
Maria Abreu, MD
Mariastella Serrano, MD
Marina Ivanov, PharmD
Marita Kametas, APN
Mary Kate Preite (Lapinel), NP
Matthew Ciorba, MD
Mazer Ally, MD
Melanie Bierenbaum, PhD
Michele Rubin, APN
Michelle Worthington, APN
Miguel Regueiro, MD
Minesh Patel, DO
Molly Stone, MD
Mukta Krane, MD
Namita Singh, MD
Neha Shah, RD
Nobu Kamada, PhD
Paul Rufo, MD
Peter Higgins, MD
Phoung Luu, PA
Rachel Conklin, PA
Rachel Dyckman, RD
Rajesh Shah, MD
Randy Longman, MD
Robin Dalal, MD
Ross Maltz, MD
Ruby Greywoode, MD
Sabina Ali, MD
Samantha Paglinco, DO
Sameer Berry, MD
Sandra Kim, MD
Sasha Taleban, MD
Sean Fine, MD
Serre-Yu Wong, MD
Shail Govani, MD
Shannon Chang, MD
Sharon Dudley-Brown, PhD
Sharon Perry, APN
Sharon Rimon, APN
Shervin Rabizadeh, MD
Shirley Cohen-Mekelburg, MD
Shrinivas Bishu, MD
Shubha Bhat, PharmD
Sobia Mujtaba, MD
Sonia Friedman, MD
Stacy Ogbeide, PsyD
Stephanie Gold, MD
Stephen Lupe, PsyD
Stephen P. James, MD
Suja Davis, PhD
Sujaata Dwadasi, MD
Suresh Pola, MD
Taha Qazi (Sonny), MD
Tanvi Dhere, MD
Tauseef Ali, MD
Teri Jackson, APN
Theresa Pizarro, PhD
Tiffany Linville, MD
Tolulope Falaiye, MD
Victor Chedid, MD
Vitaliy Poylin, MD
Yezaz Ghouri, MD
Yi Min Teo, RD
Zachary Borman, MD
Learn About NSAC Committees

The Foundation’s National Scientific Advisory Committee (NSAC) consists of 15 specialized committees, each dedicated to a specific focus area aligned with the Foundation’s initiatives in research, professional and patient engagement, education, support, and advocacy.

  • All committees have appointed chairs and co-chairs working with lead Foundation staff.
  • NSAC members serve three-year terms and are assigned to topic-specific committees based on their interests and skill set at the time of application.
Research-Specific Committees
Research

  • Research Grants Review Committees

    * These committees include academic researchers and patient/caregiver stakeholder reviewers.

    * Each committee recommends applications to the Grants Council for final prioritization and recommendation to the Foundation’s National Board of Trustees.

  • Grants Council

    The Grants Council comprises the Council chair, co-chair, and chairs of various grant review committees, including Senior Research Awards, Research Fellowship, Career Development Awards, Clinical Research Awards, Ad Hoc Conflict, and Litwin IBD Pioneers grant review committees. The Council discusses and prioritizes all applications that receive a fundable priority score from the review committees. It then submits the final recommendations for funding to the National Board of Trustees (NBOT) for their approval. The awards are granted based on the priority ranking of the applications and the availability of funds. Additionally, the Grants Council is tasked by the Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) and the NSAC chair to periodically provide recommendations on granting policies and procedures for further discussion by the NSAC Cabinet.

  • Senior Research Awards Committee

    This committee reviews semi-annual Senior Research Awards applications.

  • Research Fellowship and Career Development Awards Committee

    This committee reviews semi-annual Research Fellowship and Career Development Awards applications, as well as Student Fellowship Awards and other opportunities for young investigators.

  • Clinical Research Awards Committee

    This committee reviews annual applications for Senior Research Awards related to clinical research.

  • Litwin IBD Pioneers

    This committee reviews the semi-annual Litwin IBD Pioneers applications, prioritizing high-risk/high-reward proposals with strong potential for clinical applicability in the near future. The committee includes academic researchers and patient/caregiver stakeholder reviewers.

  • Ad Hoc Conflict Review Committee

    This committee reviews investigator-initiated applications from members of other review committees or their trainees to address potential conflicts of interest. The committee reviews these applications semi-annually, following the timeline of other research review committees.

 

Education and Support-Specific Committees
ESAD

  • ESA Council

    The NSAC chair selects the chair and co-chair for the ESA Council, which comprises chairs and co-chairs from the NSAC Education, Support, & Advocacy (ESA) committees. The ESA Council convenes twice annually and as needed to align with the strategic plan and address priority questions raised by Foundation staff, NSAC leadership, and ESA committees. It also reviews and reconciles guidelines and programs across focus areas (adult, pediatric, and professional, including nursing and advanced practice education) to ensure message consistency, reduce duplication, and resolve differences using evidence-based approaches.

  • Nurse & Advanced Practice Committee

    This committee works with Foundation staff to identify educational needs for the IBD nursing and advanced practice provider community. The committee reviews all educational information and programs for IBD nurses, APPs, NPs, and PAs.

  • Professional Education Committee

    This committee partners with Foundation staff to identify educational needs for the IBD professional community, emphasizing programs that highlight the patient’s voice in decision-making and care. The committee reviews all educational information and programs for professionals.

  • REACH-IBD Committee (Rising Educators, Academics, and Clinicians Helping IBD)

    This Committee works with Foundation staff to identify educational needs for early-career professionals (7 years post-training).

  • Patient Education Committee

    This committee partners with Foundation staff to identify the educational needs of adults with IBD and supports the development of patient-centered resources. The committee reviews all national education content created for this audience.

  • Pediatric Affairs Committee

    This committee partners with Foundation staff to identify the needs and develop educational resources for children and adolescents living with IBD and their families. The committee reviews all national education content developed for these audiences from a patient caregiver-centric perspective and supports the Foundation’s efforts related to Camp Oasis.

Stakeholder-Specific Committees
ESA

Stakeholder Engagement Committees

Stakeholder engagement committees focus on critical areas, such as increasing diversity and inclusion, advocacy priorities, and furthering engagement among healthcare professionals.

  • Diversity & Inclusion Committee

    This committee advises on diversity and inclusion issues in Foundation programs and activities. The committee promotes gender, practice, ethnic, and racial diversity within the NSAC. It works to create an inclusive environment across the NSAC Cabinet and committees. The committee assists in reporting diversity and inclusion metrics regarding NSAC members, promotes the NSAC application and other programs, and supports efforts to increase participation in Foundation activities by diverse healthcare professionals, communities, patients, and caregivers.

  • Government and Industry Affairs Committee

    This committee advises Foundation staff and the National Board of Trustees Advocacy Committee on access-to-care advocacy issues, including medical research, healthcare access, and the cost of care. The committee informs the Foundation’s policy positions and advocacy action items and supports Foundation outreach to legislatures, government agencies, and third-party payers. In addition, the committee helps disseminate advocacy information to patients, caregivers, and professional members to improve patient access to care.

  • Professional Membership Committee

    This committee partners with Foundation staff to provide strategic direction on the Foundation’s professional membership program. The committee identifies resources and benefits to support and expand membership. The committee contributes to the professional member e-newsletter, reviews promotional materials, and discusses membership benefits and engagement tactics. They address ad hoc membership issues.

The Foundation’s National Scientific Advisory Committee (NSAC) consists of 15 specialized committees, each dedicated to a specific focus area aligned with the Foundation’s initiatives in research, professional and patient engagement, education, support, and advocacy.

  • All committees have appointed chairs and co-chairs working with lead Foundation staff.
  • NSAC members serve three-year terms and are assigned to topic-specific committees based on their interests and skill set at the time of application.
Research-Specific Committees
Research

  • Research Grants Review Committees

    * These committees include academic researchers and patient/caregiver stakeholder reviewers.

    * Each committee recommends applications to the Grants Council for final prioritization and recommendation to the Foundation’s National Board of Trustees.

  • Grants Council

    The Grants Council comprises the Council chair, co-chair, and chairs of various grant review committees, including Senior Research Awards, Research Fellowship, Career Development Awards, Clinical Research Awards, Ad Hoc Conflict, and Litwin IBD Pioneers grant review committees. The Council discusses and prioritizes all applications that receive a fundable priority score from the review committees. It then submits the final recommendations for funding to the National Board of Trustees (NBOT) for their approval. The awards are granted based on the priority ranking of the applications and the availability of funds. Additionally, the Grants Council is tasked by the Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) and the NSAC chair to periodically provide recommendations on granting policies and procedures for further discussion by the NSAC Cabinet.

  • Senior Research Awards Committee

    This committee reviews semi-annual Senior Research Awards applications.

  • Research Fellowship and Career Development Awards Committee

    This committee reviews semi-annual Research Fellowship and Career Development Awards applications, as well as Student Fellowship Awards and other opportunities for young investigators.

  • Clinical Research Awards Committee

    This committee reviews annual applications for Senior Research Awards related to clinical research.

  • Litwin IBD Pioneers

    This committee reviews the semi-annual Litwin IBD Pioneers applications, prioritizing high-risk/high-reward proposals with strong potential for clinical applicability in the near future. The committee includes academic researchers and patient/caregiver stakeholder reviewers.

  • Ad Hoc Conflict Review Committee

    This committee reviews investigator-initiated applications from members of other review committees or their trainees to address potential conflicts of interest. The committee reviews these applications semi-annually, following the timeline of other research review committees.

 

Education and Support-Specific Committees
ESAD

  • ESA Council

    The NSAC chair selects the chair and co-chair for the ESA Council, which comprises chairs and co-chairs from the NSAC Education, Support, & Advocacy (ESA) committees. The ESA Council convenes twice annually and as needed to align with the strategic plan and address priority questions raised by Foundation staff, NSAC leadership, and ESA committees. It also reviews and reconciles guidelines and programs across focus areas (adult, pediatric, and professional, including nursing and advanced practice education) to ensure message consistency, reduce duplication, and resolve differences using evidence-based approaches.

  • Nurse & Advanced Practice Committee

    This committee works with Foundation staff to identify educational needs for the IBD nursing and advanced practice provider community. The committee reviews all educational information and programs for IBD nurses, APPs, NPs, and PAs.

  • Professional Education Committee

    This committee partners with Foundation staff to identify educational needs for the IBD professional community, emphasizing programs that highlight the patient’s voice in decision-making and care. The committee reviews all educational information and programs for professionals.

  • REACH-IBD Committee (Rising Educators, Academics, and Clinicians Helping IBD)

    This Committee works with Foundation staff to identify educational needs for early-career professionals (7 years post-training).

  • Patient Education Committee

    This committee partners with Foundation staff to identify the educational needs of adults with IBD and supports the development of patient-centered resources. The committee reviews all national education content created for this audience.

  • Pediatric Affairs Committee

    This committee partners with Foundation staff to identify the needs and develop educational resources for children and adolescents living with IBD and their families. The committee reviews all national education content developed for these audiences from a patient caregiver-centric perspective and supports the Foundation’s efforts related to Camp Oasis.

Stakeholder-Specific Committees
ESA

Stakeholder Engagement Committees

Stakeholder engagement committees focus on critical areas, such as increasing diversity and inclusion, advocacy priorities, and furthering engagement among healthcare professionals.

  • Diversity & Inclusion Committee

    This committee advises on diversity and inclusion issues in Foundation programs and activities. The committee promotes gender, practice, ethnic, and racial diversity within the NSAC. It works to create an inclusive environment across the NSAC Cabinet and committees. The committee assists in reporting diversity and inclusion metrics regarding NSAC members, promotes the NSAC application and other programs, and supports efforts to increase participation in Foundation activities by diverse healthcare professionals, communities, patients, and caregivers.

  • Government and Industry Affairs Committee

    This committee advises Foundation staff and the National Board of Trustees Advocacy Committee on access-to-care advocacy issues, including medical research, healthcare access, and the cost of care. The committee informs the Foundation’s policy positions and advocacy action items and supports Foundation outreach to legislatures, government agencies, and third-party payers. In addition, the committee helps disseminate advocacy information to patients, caregivers, and professional members to improve patient access to care.

  • Professional Membership Committee

    This committee partners with Foundation staff to provide strategic direction on the Foundation’s professional membership program. The committee identifies resources and benefits to support and expand membership. The committee contributes to the professional member e-newsletter, reviews promotional materials, and discusses membership benefits and engagement tactics. They address ad hoc membership issues.

Frequently Asked Questions
About Joining the National Scientific Advisory (NSAC)
Who Can Join the NSAC?

We welcome applicants from various backgrounds, including residents, senior IBD researchers, and professionals at all stages in between. We aim to encourage applicants from diverse medical practice types and settings, ranging from rural practices to academic medical centers. We invite professionals from all areas of IBD care—advanced practice providers, dieticians, GI residents, medical students interested in IBD, nurses, PharmD, physiatrists, physicians, physician assistants, psychologists, researchers, social workers, surgeons, and any medical professional interested in supporting the Foundation’s mission.

  • NSAC service is limited to medical and research professionals.
  • If you have IBD or are a caregiver without a medical background, we encourage you to contact your local chapter or Get Involved section of our website to learn about volunteer opportunities.
  • Professionals working in biotechnology, insurance, pharmaceutical, or surgical device companies are not eligible to serve on the NSAC. However, we encourage volunteers with these backgrounds to visit the Get Involved section of our website, where project-specific workgroup opportunities are posted.
What Should I Expect as an NSAC Member?
  • At least one in-person meeting per year, typically held at the Crohn’s & Colitis Congress.
  • Additional meetings vary by NSAC committee with Research, Nurse & Advance Practice Providers, and Pediatric Affairs meeting at different times to accommodate grants or other key conferences, such as NASPGHAN.
  • All meeting dates and times are announced in advance.
  • Service on an NSAC committee typically includes: (see committees for details)
    • A commitment of approximately one hour per month answering emails or meeting by phone
    • Quarterly committee calls by phone/video call

  • Active professional membership of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation is required. Learn more about professional membership with the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation

What Are the NSAC Committees?

Read about the NSAC committees, roles, and responsibilities.

How Are Members Placed in the Various Topic-Specific Committees?

Applicants are asked to rank their preferred topic-specific committees and provide information about relevant skill sets and experiences in their application. The final selection of committee members is made by the chairs/co-chairs of each topic-specific committee with input from the Foundation staff liaisons.

When Are Applications Available?

Applications for the 2024–2027 NSAC have closed. Applications for the 2027-2030 NSAC will be available in the fall of 2026. 

How Are Applications Reviewed?

Dr. Peter Higgins, NSAC chair, will select chairs/co-chairs. The chairs/co-chairs will then choose topic-specific committee members based on applicants’ interests and experience.

 

Additional questions may be sent to [email protected]

 

About Joining the National Scientific Advisory (NSAC)
Who Can Join the NSAC?

We welcome applicants from various backgrounds, including residents, senior IBD researchers, and professionals at all stages in between. We aim to encourage applicants from diverse medical practice types and settings, ranging from rural practices to academic medical centers. We invite professionals from all areas of IBD care—advanced practice providers, dieticians, GI residents, medical students interested in IBD, nurses, PharmD, physiatrists, physicians, physician assistants, psychologists, researchers, social workers, surgeons, and any medical professional interested in supporting the Foundation’s mission.

  • NSAC service is limited to medical and research professionals.
  • If you have IBD or are a caregiver without a medical background, we encourage you to contact your local chapter or Get Involved section of our website to learn about volunteer opportunities.
  • Professionals working in biotechnology, insurance, pharmaceutical, or surgical device companies are not eligible to serve on the NSAC. However, we encourage volunteers with these backgrounds to visit the Get Involved section of our website, where project-specific workgroup opportunities are posted.
What Should I Expect as an NSAC Member?
  • At least one in-person meeting per year, typically held at the Crohn’s & Colitis Congress.
  • Additional meetings vary by NSAC committee with Research, Nurse & Advance Practice Providers, and Pediatric Affairs meeting at different times to accommodate grants or other key conferences, such as NASPGHAN.
  • All meeting dates and times are announced in advance.
  • Service on an NSAC committee typically includes: (see committees for details)
    • A commitment of approximately one hour per month answering emails or meeting by phone
    • Quarterly committee calls by phone/video call

  • Active professional membership of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation is required. Learn more about professional membership with the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation

What Are the NSAC Committees?

Read about the NSAC committees, roles, and responsibilities.

How Are Members Placed in the Various Topic-Specific Committees?

Applicants are asked to rank their preferred topic-specific committees and provide information about relevant skill sets and experiences in their application. The final selection of committee members is made by the chairs/co-chairs of each topic-specific committee with input from the Foundation staff liaisons.

When Are Applications Available?

Applications for the 2024–2027 NSAC have closed. Applications for the 2027-2030 NSAC will be available in the fall of 2026. 

How Are Applications Reviewed?

Dr. Peter Higgins, NSAC chair, will select chairs/co-chairs. The chairs/co-chairs will then choose topic-specific committee members based on applicants’ interests and experience.

 

Additional questions may be sent to [email protected]

 

Other Professional Committee Opportunities

Regional Education Committees (REC)

The Regional Education Committees (REC) partner with healthcare professionals to develop regional and local education programs for patients and professionals. They oversee education programs under MyIBD Learning and IBD Pro.

Roles of the REC:

  • Plan and implement education programs: Advise on community-based programming, recommend topics, identify speakers, and review/approve content.
  • Offer input on support services: Assist with community-based support activities to empower and educate the IBD community at the local level.
  • Focus on diversity and inclusion: Ensure inclusive programming and outreach to engage all IBD patients.

To join a Regional Education Committee, complete the application form found here.

 

Healthcare Professional Engagement Committees (HPEC)

The purpose of the chapter-based Healthcare Professional Engagement Committees (HPEC) is to partner with IBD healthcare professionals to further the Foundation’s mission at the local, regional, and national level. We currently have twenty-two (22) committees with 325 active members

Roles of the HPEC:

  • Support partnership with chapter staff: Extend local reach, establish strategic relationships, seek fundraising sources, and recruit advocates for the Foundation and chapters.
  • Collaborate with Regional Education Committees: Promote and share the Foundation’s education, support, and advocacy resources within the IBD community.
  • Assist in expanding the Foundation’s reach: Increase involvement in mission programs, fundraising activities, and awareness-building efforts to drive volunteerism and support.
  • Advocate for the Foundation: Share resources, engagement opportunities, membership benefits, research updates, and advocacy efforts with other healthcare professionals in the IBD space.

Regional Education Committees (REC)

The Regional Education Committees (REC) partner with healthcare professionals to develop regional and local education programs for patients and professionals. They oversee education programs under MyIBD Learning and IBD Pro.

Roles of the REC:

  • Plan and implement education programs: Advise on community-based programming, recommend topics, identify speakers, and review/approve content.
  • Offer input on support services: Assist with community-based support activities to empower and educate the IBD community at the local level.
  • Focus on diversity and inclusion: Ensure inclusive programming and outreach to engage all IBD patients.

To join a Regional Education Committee, complete the application form found here.

 

Healthcare Professional Engagement Committees (HPEC)

The purpose of the chapter-based Healthcare Professional Engagement Committees (HPEC) is to partner with IBD healthcare professionals to further the Foundation’s mission at the local, regional, and national level. We currently have twenty-two (22) committees with 325 active members

Roles of the HPEC:

  • Support partnership with chapter staff: Extend local reach, establish strategic relationships, seek fundraising sources, and recruit advocates for the Foundation and chapters.
  • Collaborate with Regional Education Committees: Promote and share the Foundation’s education, support, and advocacy resources within the IBD community.
  • Assist in expanding the Foundation’s reach: Increase involvement in mission programs, fundraising activities, and awareness-building efforts to drive volunteerism and support.
  • Advocate for the Foundation: Share resources, engagement opportunities, membership benefits, research updates, and advocacy efforts with other healthcare professionals in the IBD space.