HCP Head Barbara J. McNeil, MD, PhD, has been appointed chair of the Science Board to the Food and Drug Administration, part of the US Department of Health & Human Services. McNeil has served on this committee since 2005. The Board consists of a group of senior scientists with exceptionally accomplished backgrounds in evolving areas of new scientific research.

The Science Board advises the Commissioner of Food and Drugs on specific and technically complex scientific issues of regulatory importance to the FDA; on technical and scientific evolutions in the fields of regulatory science; and on upgrading the FDA’s scientific and research facilities to keep pace with these changes. The Board also facilitates interaction between the FDA, industry, academia, and other government agencies on technically complicated issues of regulatory importance.