WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is recruiting experts for two federal advisory committees that influence national medical emergency preparedness, including responses to infectious disease outbreaks, biological threats and disasters affecting children, with applications due November 22, 2026.
The recruitment, conducted through HHS’s Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), seeks candidates for the National Biodefense Science Board and the National Advisory Committee on Children and Disasters.
Both committees advise the HHS secretary and ASPR on federal preparedness, emergency response and recovery policies, bringing scientific, medical and public health expertise into decisions involving national health security.
The National Biodefense Science Board provides recommendations on preparedness for infectious diseases and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats.
Its responsibilities also include evaluating how developments in biotechnology, genetic engineering and the biological sciences could affect public health and national security.
The 13-member board draws expertise from pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, medical device manufacturers, academic institutions, clinical medicine, health care consumer organizations and public health agencies.
Its membership also incorporates perspectives on pediatric health and preparedness at the state, tribal, territorial and local levels.
The National Advisory Committee on Children and Disasters focuses on the distinct medical and public health requirements of children during emergencies.
The committee advises federal officials on disaster planning, emergency medical response and recovery strategies affecting children and their families.
Its 13 members represent disciplines including pediatric emergency medicine, disaster preparedness, mental and behavioral health, education and child care.
The committee also addresses the needs of children with special health care requirements and the challenges facing parents and family caregivers during emergencies.
“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.
Kaufman said the committees help ensure federal preparedness efforts incorporate practical experience and the needs of affected communities.
Members participate in public meetings, policy deliberations and working groups examining issues related to public health emergencies and medical response capabilities.
The advisory positions provide opportunities for specialists from health care, research, industry and emergency management to contribute recommendations to federal preparedness policy.
HHS Secretary-appointed members serve on the National Biodefense Science Board, while both committees operate as advisory bodies rather than agencies responsible for implementing emergency response programs.
HHS is accepting applications and self-nominations for both committees through November 22.
Eligibility requirements, nomination instructions and additional information are available at https://prod-asprgov.cloud.hhs.gov/about/boards-committees/apply.
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