News and Announcements
SPR Newsletter:
February 2024 PPC Update
What Matters Now in Washington: House and Senate appropriations leaders secured an agreement on spending totals, paving the way for subcommittees to begin crafting annual spending bills. Read more…
January 2024 PPC Update
What Matters Now in Washington: House and Senate congressional leaders have secured a topline spending agreement for the 2024 fiscal year, paving the way for appropriators in both chambers to begin hashing out differences over a dozen annual spending bills. Read more…
2024 New Members Announced
The Society for Pediatric Research (SPR) is pleased to announce 127 new members. SPR encourages and supports pediatric research endeavors by creating a multidisciplinary network of diverse researchers to improve child health. Read more…
APS and SPR Name Bruce Hammond, CAE, as New Executive Director
The American Pediatric Society (APS) and the Society for Pediatric Research (SPR) Board of Directors have selected Bruce Hammond, CAE, to be their new Executive Director, beginning January 8, 2024. Bruce will succeed Eileen Fenton, MS, MA, who has served as the Executive Director of the APS, SPR, and the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) since 2015. From January 1, 2024, Eileen will serve as the Executive Director exclusively for the PAS. Read more…
November 2023 PPC Update
What Matters Now in Washington: The House of Representatives elected a new Speaker but passed a stopgap spending measure ahead of the November 17 government funding deadline to buy more time to negotiate full-year spending bills. Read more…
Thank you, Jana Wells, Sr. Association Director!
Jana Wells, SPR’s Sr. Association Director and great treasure!, has decided to embark on a new chapter by retiring in early 2024. After nearly a quarter-century of dedicated service and in light of the impending transition to a new SPR Executive Director, she believes it’s the opportune moment for SPR to get a fresh perspective. Read More…
July 2023 PPC Update
What Matters Now in Washington: The House proposed dramatic cuts to health care spending, but those reductions are unlikely to ever make it into law. Read more…
PPC Action Alert Urgent Opportunity for Pediatric Subspecialty Advocacy
We have a time-sensitive advocacy opportunity for you to advocate for increased funding for the Pediatric Subspecialty Loan Repayment Program (PSLRP), which is essential to addressing shortages of pediatric medical subspecialists, pediatric surgical specialists, and child mental health professionals. We need you to take action as soon as possible. Read more…
January 2023 PPC Update
What Matters Now in Washington: Republican Rep. Kevin McCarthy was elected speaker of the House earlier this month after a protracted struggle with conservatives. Read more…
Important Changes to 2022 SPR Dues
In December, SPR will launch auto-renewal, a more convenient way for members to pay and remain current on membership dues. By using this now widely adopted approach, we aim to increase convenience for members while reducing the number of dues-related emails members receive. Read More…
2023 New Members Announced
The Society for Pediatric Research (SPR) is pleased to announce 160 new members. SPR encourages and supports pediatric research endeavors by creating a multidisciplinary network of diverse researchers to improve child health. Read More…
November 2022 PPC Update
What Matters Now in Washington: Midterm elections yield unclear results for year-end legislating. Read more…
September 2022 PPC Update
What Matters Now in Washington: With passage of Inflation Reduction Act, major pieces of Biden’s agenda on climate and health care become law. Read more…
PPC Action Alert Support the Next Generation of Pediatrician Scientists
Pediatric research is key to improving the quality of care children receive and unlocking the next generation of cures, but there are a number of barriers to developing and maintaining a pediatric research workforce that can meet the needs of today’s—and tomorrow’s—young people. Tell your legislators to co-sponsor the Pediatricians Accelerate Childhood Therapies (PACT) Act (H.R. 3773/S. 1357) to support the next generation of pediatrician scientists and strengthen the pediatric research pipeline. Read more…
PPC Action Alert Urgent Opportunity for Pediatric Subspecialty Advocacy
We have a unique and time-sensitive advocacy opportunity for you to advocate for increased funding for the Pediatric Subspecialty Loan Repayment Program (PSLRP), which is essential to addressing shortages of pediatric medical subspecialists, pediatric surgical specialists, and child mental health professionals. We need you to take action as soon as possible. Read more…
FOPO Statement in Support of Transgender Children and Youth, their Families, and Health Care Providers
The Federation of Pediatric Organizations (FOPO) is an umbrella organization made up of the leadership of the Academic Pediatric Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Board of Pediatrics, the American Pediatric Society, the Association of Medical School Pediatric Department Chairs, the Association of Pediatric Program Directors, and the Society for Pediatric Research. We stand with pediatricians who partner with families every day to make the best possible decision for each individual child based on available research and evidence pertinent to that child’s care. Transgender and gender diverse children and youth deserve to lead safe, healthy lives in environments that allow them to be their authentic selves. Read the FOPO Statement Here.
March 2022 PPC Update
What Matters Now in Washington: Key congressional leaders agreed to a topline spending figure earlier this month, paving the way to full-year spending bills for the remainder of Fiscal Year (FY) 2022. Read more…
2022 Joseph W. St. Geme, Jr. Leadership Award Recipient Announced
Pediatrician Dr. Fernando Mendoza, MD, MPH, is named the 2022 recipient of the Joseph W. St. Geme, Jr. Leadership Award by the Federation of Pediatric Organizations (FOPO). Dr. Mendoza is an inspirational leader, tireless advocate for our most underserved pediatric populations, and pioneering researcher focused on immigrant health and policy. His greatest legacy may be his impact on diversity in medical education, with special attention on the pipeline for underrepresented minorities. Read More…
SPR proudly announces Dr. Cristina Alvira as President-elect for 2022-2023
HOUSTON, March 1, 2022 – The Society for Pediatric Research (SPR) is pleased to announce Cristina Alvira, MD, as the society’s new President-elect for the 2022-2023 term. Dr. Alvira will take office as President-elect on June 1, 2022. She will be the President of SPR from June 1, 2023 – May 31, 2024.
Dr. Alvira is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Stanford University and leads an NIH-funded research program that investigates the molecular mechanisms regulating postnatal lung growth, repair and regeneration using genetic gain and loss of function, single cell transcriptomics and advanced imaging. Read More…
January 2022 PPC Update
What Matters Now in Washington: The Build Back Better Act and the many child health priorities it contains are in doubt after Sen. Joe Manchin called off negotiations in late December. More…
PPC Action Alert Tell Congress to Finish Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Spending Bills
We are reaching out with an opportunity to secure funding increases for key pediatric research priorities. Take action today to urge your members of Congress to pass a final spending package for FY 2022. Read more…
APS and SPR Honor Dr. Michael Heymann with the 2022 Mary Ellen Avery Award
HOUSTON, Dec. 13, 2021 – The American Pediatric Society (APS) and the Society for Pediatric Research (SPR) are pleased to announce Michael Heymann, MB, BCh, as the recipient of the 2022 Mary Ellen Avery Award. This award honors a pediatric investigator who has made important contributions to neonatal health through basic or translational research. Read more…
December 2021 PPC Update
What Matters Now in Washington: Congress approved a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package, but the fate of President Biden’s proposed social spending package remains uncertain. More…
October 2021 PPC Update
What Matters Now in Washington: The fate of President Biden’s agenda remains uncertain as Democrats push negotiations out. More…
August 2021 PPC Update
What Matters Now in Washington: President Biden’s domestic agenda is moving ahead in Congress after critical votes in the House and Senate. More…
July 2021 PPC Update
What Matters Now in Washington: The House health care appropriations committee has proposed major funding increases for research and child health initiatives in Fiscal Year (FY) 2022, including first-time funding of $25 million for the Pediatric Subspecialty Loan Repayment Program and a $6 billion increase for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Read More…
SPR proudly announces Dr. Beth A. Tarini as President for 2021-2022
HOUSTON, May 25, 2021 – The Society for Pediatric Research (SPR) is pleased to announce Beth A. Tarini, MD, MS, as the society’s new president for the 2021-2022 term. She will take office as President on June 1, 2021. She succeeds Stephanie D. Davis, MD.
Dr. Tarini is the Associate Director, Center for Translational Research, at Children’s National Medical Center. She is a health services researcher and through her research she identifies ways to optimize the delivery of genetic services to families and children, particularly newborn screening. Dr. Tarini’s research has been funded by the National Institutes of Health, HRSA, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Read More…
PPC Action Alert Urgent Opportunity for Pediatric Subspecialty Advocacy
We have a unique and time-sensitive advocacy opportunity for you to advocate for funding to address shortages of pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists. We need you to take action as soon as possible. Read More…
FOPO Statement On Anti-Asian Hate
The Federation of Pediatric Organizations (FOPO) is an umbrella organization made up of the leadership of the Academic Pediatric Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Board of Pediatrics, the American Pediatric Society, the Association of Medical School Pediatric Department Chairs, the Association of Pediatric Program Directors, and the Society for Pediatric Research. The pediatric organizations in the US pledged to fight the lethal effects of racism. The horrific murders in and around Atlanta galvanize us to redouble these efforts and resist the rise in anti-Asian hate. Read the FOPO Statement on Anti-Asian Hate.
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2021 New Members Announced
The Society for Pediatric Research (SPR) is pleased to announce 128 new members. SPR encourages and supports pediatric research endeavors by creating a multidisciplinary network of diverse researchers to improve child health. Collaboration among SPR members creates meaningful progress for the future of children’s health. Read More…
PPC Action Alert Tell Your Senators: Support the Helping MOMS Act
Now is a critical time for academic pediatricians to contact your U.S. senators and tell them to support the Helping Medicaid Offer Maternity Services Act (Helping MOMS Act), HR 4996. Read More…
2021 Editor Apprenticeship Program
The Editors-in–Chief of Pediatric Research are excited to announce the third year of the Editorial Apprenticeship program. Read More…
Child Health Equity Research General Academic Pediatrics Fellowship
We are pleased to invite applications for the 2021-2023 class of the Child Health Equity Research Program for Post-doctoral Trainees at the University of Washington School of Medicine. Read More…
PPC Action Alert Take Action on National Voter Registration Day to Make Kids Count at the Ballot Box and on the Census
National Voter Registration Day is on Tuesday, September 22. With Election Day fast approaching and the 2020 Census in full swing, this is a great time to highlight the importance of voting and the Census to make sure kids count. Read More…
PPC Action Alert Tell Congress: Don’t Cut the Census Short
Please consider contacting your senators to urge them to extend the Census reporting deadlines in the next COVID relief legislation. Read More…
Joint Statement Diversity & Inclusion
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has served as a flashlight, illuminating and unmasking deep socio-economic and health care divides in our country, the terrible events surrounding the horrific murder of Mr. George Floyd in Minneapolis has spawned even greater outrage. As we all know, Mr. Floyd’s death is not an isolated incident, as there have been a tragic string of such deaths in recent years that further reflect deep issues regarding racism and systemic underlying causes of injustice. Unfortunately, the country’s inability to fully address these systemic foundations of injustice persist. Read More…
SPR proudly announces Dr. Stephanie Duggins Davis as President for 2020-2021
The Society for Pediatric Research (SPR) is pleased to announce Stephanie Duggins Davis, MD, as the society’s new president for the 2020-2021 term. She will take office as President on May 5, 2020. She succeeds Joel N. Hirschhorn, MD, PhD, the SPR’s current president.
Dr. Davis is chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the UNC School of Medicine, physician-in-chief of UNC Children’s and the Charles Everett and Katherine M. Brewer professor of Pediatrics. She is a world-renowned expert in pediatric pulmonology, with extensive expertise in childhood early lung disease and infant/preschool lung function testing. She has been a member of national and international consensus groups responsible for establishing guidelines for the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of infants and children with pediatric respiratory disease. Read More…
Election Results
The Society for Pediatric Research (SPR) is pleased to announce the results of their 2020 election for Council positions. Read More…
2020 Joseph W. St. Geme, Jr. Leadership Award Recipient Announced
The Federation of Pediatric Organizations (FOPO) is delighted announce that Joseph W. St. Geme, III has been selected as the 2020 recipient of the Joseph W. St. Geme, Jr. Leadership Award, named in honor of his father, who died prematurely in 1986. Dr. St. Geme will receive the award during the 2021 Opening General Session of the Pediatric Academic Societies Meeting in Vancouver, BC. The Joseph W. St. Geme, Jr. Leadership Award was created in 1988 in honor of Joseph W. St. Geme, Jr. to recognize a pediatrician who is a role model for others to emulate as a clinician, an educator, and/or an investigator. Recipients of this award have a record of broad and sustained contributions to pediatrics that will have a major impact on child health. Most importantly, the award recognizes individuals who have “created a future” within the field of pediatrics. Read More…
2020 APS SPR Journeys & Frontiers in Pediatric Research Program announces selected participants.
Former SPR President Honored with the Dale Medal from the British Endocrine Society
Former SPR President, Constantine Stratakis, MD, D(Med)Sc, was recently honored with the Dale Medal, the highest award given by the British Endocrine Society. Dr. Stratakis is the Scientific Director at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD). He heads a laboratory focusing on identifying the genes or genetic defects underlying the development of endocrine tumors. Congratulations, Dr. Stratakis! Read more…
Pediatric Research, the Official Journal for SPR, Looking for New Peer Reviewers
Interested in serving as a reviewer for Pediatric Research and earning MOC part 2 credits? If you are a diplomate of the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP), you can earn up to 15.0 Maintenance of Certification (MOC) points in the ABP MOC program. Last year’s top 10 peer reviewers received $500 for their exemplary contributions to the peer review process. More information on this opportunity can be found here.
PAS Announces the 2020 Meeting Keynote Speaker
The Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) is pleased to announce Francis S. Collins, MD, PhD, as the keynote speaker at the PAS 2020 Meeting, taking place April 29 through May 6 in Philadelphia.
Dr. Collins is a physician-geneticist who is well known for his discoveries of disease genes and for leading the international Human Genome Project. Additionally, Dr. Collins served as director of the National Human Genome Research Institute at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) from 1993 to 2008.
Read complete press release.
SPR Announces the New SPR Pulse
SPR is pleased to announce it has partnered with MultiView to produce a new weekly email newsletter, SPR Pulse. We hope the SPR Pulse will provide Members with be a convenient reliable resource for the latest SPR news and announcements as well as relevant information on trends and developments in pediatric research.
Watch for the SPR Pulse in your inbox every week, beginning Tuesday, July 23, 2019 and historical via our archive page. If your institution has interest in promotional space within the SPR Pulse, please contact MultiView. The SPR Office always welcomes your feedback about the new SPR Pulse. Thank you!
SPR Member Mary Min-chin Lee Appointed Enterprise Chief Scientific Officer of Nemours Children’s Health System
Nemours Children’s Health System announced today the appointment of Mary M. Lee, MD, as Enterprise Chief Scientific Officer for the multi-state pediatric health system. Dr. Lee, who has served Nemours as an Enterprise Vice President and Physician-in-Chief of Delaware Valley Operations since April, is being tapped in this new role to oversee and lead the organization’s efforts in developing better treatments and new cures to help tomorrow’s children.
SPR Member Sallie Permar Selected as Program Director, Pediatric Scientist Development Program (PSDP)
Drs. Michael Artman, President, AMSPDC and Joseph St. Geme, Chair, Selection Committee have announced Sallie Permar, MD, PhD will succeed Dr. Peggy Hostetter as Program Director of the PSDP, a program funded in part by the APS.
Dr. Permar is currently a Professor of Pediatrics, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics & Microbiology and a member of the Human Vaccine Institute and the Center for Virology at Duke University Medical Center. She also serves as Director of the Children’s Discovery Unit and the Pediatric Research Scholars Physician-Scientist Training Program in the Department of Pediatrics at Duke and as Co-Director of the Duke Center for AIDS Research Developmental Core.
A highly accomplished basic, translational, and clinical investigator in congenital and neonatal viral infections, with a focus on HIV, cytomegalovirus, and Zika virus, Dr. Permar has been well funded by the NIH and other agencies throughout her career. She has a strong track record as a mentor and has been a leader in developing innovative approaches to training physician scientists. Dr. Permar will work alongside Dr. Peggy Hostetter in overseeing the PSDP over the coming months and will assume full responsibility for the PSDP in July 2019.
Dr. Permar, SPR congratulates you on your new appointment!