From left to right: Drs. Habegger, Hunter, and KimSeveral UAB Comprehensive Diabetes Center (UCDC) members serve on various National Institutes of Health (NIH) study sections. Academic scientists who serve on study sections, as well as fellowship study sections, review grant submissions from across the nation.
As a grant reviewer, faculty peer review submissions of proposed scientific projects. Membership in a section is considered an honor for scientists. There are several categories of study sections that align with submissions categories, ranging from Basic Mechanisms of Diabetes and Metabolism to Cancer Cell Biology to Neuronal Communications.
For UCDC Member and Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism Associate Professor Kirk Habegger, Ph.D., it is a chance to give back to the scientific community.
“As someone who has submitted many grants in my career, serving on a study section is a great way to give back,” said Habegger. “By giving of my time and expertise, I play a role in peer reviewing the nation’s top scientific projects and helping scientists reach their funding goal.”
Habegger is a member of the Human Studies of Diabetes and Obesity (HSDO) section. According to the NIH, the HSDO study section primarily reviews applications related to clinical and translational research associated with prevention and treatment of diabetes and obesity.
UCDC Member and Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism Associate Professor Jeonga Kim, Ph.D., had the opportunity to serve as an ad hoc reviewer, also on the HSDO section. While not considered standing members, ad hoc reviewers play an important role in reviewing grant submissions for specific meetings.
“It has been a great experience to serve on an NIH study section,” said Kim. “I’ve enjoyed reviewing the trends in diabetes research outside of my own lab focus.”
Chad Hunter, Ph.D., UCDC member and Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism professor, has also served as an ad hoc reviewer, but for the Basic Mechanisms of Diabetes and Metabolism section.
“Serving on an NIH study section is also a great way to network and collaborate with other scientists around the nation,” said Hunter.