The Society for Pediatric Research Welcomes Dr. Eric Austin as 2025 President

HOUSTON, June 17, 2025 – The Society for Pediatric Research (SPR) welcomes Eric D. Austin, MD, MSc, from Vanderbilt University Medical Center, as President. He served as President-Elect from June 1, 2024 – May 31, 2025, and will serve as President until May 31, 2026.

Dr. Austin is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Vanderbilt University, where he leads a NIH-funded translational research program to explore the genomic, clinical and other mechanisms of risk and resilience to pulmonary hypertension across the lifespan, including studies of subjects born preterm or with congenital defects. Stimulated by a passion for supporting the scientific development of Scholars at all career stages, Eric also directs the Vanderbilt Master of Science in Clinical Investigation (MSCI) Program, which trains and provides mentorship to investigators in the techniques and processes crucial to the conduct of successful clinical and translational research.

An active SPR member since 2010, Eric serves as a SPR Executive Council Member and APS/SPR Journeys & Frontiers in Pediatric Research Group Leader. He is a committed international research collaborator and leader devoted to building research relationships with patients, families, and scientists of all career stages and backgrounds. Dr. Austin’s priorities include expansion of SPR’s scientific career development initiatives with inclusion of scientists at all stages of career, integrated with focused advocacy on scientists’ behalf to support scholarship in pediatrics and inspire clinical researchers of all backgrounds. In addition, he will pursue expansion of productive collaborations with our partner organizations, such as PAS, to support these ambitious priorities to enhance child- and family-focused research.

“It is an immense honor to stand on the shoulders of the many people who have led our terrific organization over the years.  I am particularly grateful to Dr. Poindexter for her leadership over the past year, as well as to Dr. Todd Florin (Strategy and Operations Officer, 2022-2025), Dr. Cristina Alvira (Past-President), Dr. Ann Chahroudi (Strategy and Operations Officer, 2025-2028) and to Bruce Hammond and the entire SPR Team with whom I spent the past year as President-elect. It has been a challenging year for many of our members and for scientists more broadly. However, science and medicine constantly rise, led by the scientists, clinicians, patients, and families directly impacted by the research questions that each of us pursue. As a result, SPR is thrilled to work in concert with our members and partner organizations to support pediatric-focused scientists at all levels, which of course represents a key pillar of our 2024-2028 Strategic Plan (Scientific Career Development). I am thrilled to work with our SPR community concurrently on the other key pillars of our Strategic Plan as well (Research Excellence, Collaboration & Networking, Advocacy & Policy Influence, and Fiscal Sustainability & Strategic Growth).  SPR is our organization; and, together we will make the future of child health better every day. I look forward to working with each of you” said Dr. Austin.

Dr. Austin succeeds Brenda Poindexter, MD, MS, who served as SPR President from June 1, 2024 – May 31, 2025. Under Dr. Poindexter’s leadership, SPR implemented a new strategic plan that will guide the Society’s direction in the years ahead. Dr. Poindexter played a key role in shaping a new committee and council structure, laying the groundwork for deeper engagement throughout the membership. She will continue supporting SPR in her role as Past President where she mentors the Emerging to Established (E2E) Committee. SPR extends its sincere gratitude to Dr. Poindexter for her outstanding service and congratulates Dr. Austin on his new leadership role.

 

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About the Society for Pediatric Research

The Society for Pediatric Research (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. For more information, please visit www.societyforpediatricresearch.org, and follow us on LinkedIn, X, and Bluesky.