What it Means to be an SPR Member

The Society for Pediatric Research encourages and supports pediatric research endeavors by creating a multi-disciplinary network of diverse researchers to improve child health. Collaboration among SPR members creates meaningful progress for the future of children’s health.

Active Members are independent researchers conducting hypothesis-driven research in a field related to pediatrics that have been nominated and seconded by SPR members and approved by SPR Council. Emeritus Members are SPR Active Members that have retired and elected to transition to Emeritus status. Junior Members are individuals currently enrolled in or recently graduated from established residency, fellowship or postdoctoral program related to pediatrics in an academic institution. Consideration is given to Junior applicants who are six years past fellowship to extend their eligibility based on parental leave or other causes for lapses in research or research training similar to criteria used to extend one’s NIH ESI status.

In 2019, SPR revised its membership criteria in response to member feedback and increased diversity of pediatric researchers career paths by eliminating the Senior and Affiliate member types, and by removing age criteria.

SPR’s Call for New Active Members opens May 15 through July 15.

Eligibility / FAQ

Benefits of Membership

Research and Presentation Forum

SPR is the founding organization of the Pediatric Academic Societies Meeting (PAS), the premier North American scholarly child health meeting. This annual gathering of 8,000 child health professionals is a forum for research presentation and discussion that is highly relevant to SPR members’ research endeavors. Each year, SPR members contribute original and invited science to the PAS Meeting and serve on key committees to shape the program.

Honoring Pediatric Researchers

Each year, SPR honors the outstanding achievements of members through a prestigious awards program.

Advocacy for Child Health Research

The SPR works through the Pediatric Policy Council (PPC) to ensure that lawmakers understand the value of dedicating resources for pediatric research. Through this channel, SPR member advocacy has helped achieve year over year growth in NIH funds available to support pediatric research, as well as important protection of Medicare payments to hospitals and institutions where SPR Members conduct their research.

Developing Pediatric Researchers

SPR offers strategic and practical support for pediatric researcher members. Active Members serve as mentors to fellows and junior faculty through SPR Junior Member Section and the PRomotion of FellOwS‘ PEdiatric Research (PROSPER) Diversity Award , providing career development guidance. SPR offers early stage investigators special support through the Grant Writing course and via the Bridging to Success grant. SPR Active Members host international fellows through the Japan Pediatric Society (JPS) Fellow Exchange Program, expanding SPR’s network of pediatric researchers beyond North America.

Additional Benefits

Membership Categories

Active Members

Active Member nominations are accepted each year from mid-May to mid-July for individuals who are engaged in independent, hypothesis-driven research related to pediatrics. New SPR members typically hold a faculty appointment at the mid/late assistant or early associate level and have a track record of independent work as demonstrated through original science manuscripts published from work that was initiated after training was complete. Nominees must hold an advanced degree. Nominations from physician scientists and other researchers involved in pediatric research are encouraged to apply. We encourage nomination of those underrepresented in medicine/science to help ensure a diverse and inclusive multidisciplinary network of researchers dedicated to improving child health. Nominations from all pediatric specialties and subspecialties are welcome.

Annual Dues: $350

See policy below for details:

Membership Classification Policy

Senior Members

This category was eliminated in 2019. Existing Senior Members have been transitioned to Active Membership with no change in membership dues during this transition. Effective May 2019 these members may vote in SPR elections and initiate or second new member nominations.

See policies below for details:

Senior Transition Policy

Membership Classification Policy

Affiliate Members

This category was eliminated in 2019. Existing Affiliate Members may choose to automatically transition to Active Member status until December 31, 2020. Upon request, the transition to Active Member will be immediately approved and all privileges and dues of Active Members will be applicable. 

See policies below for details:

Affiliate Transition Policy

Membership Classification Policy

Junior Members

Junior Membership nomination is open to individuals who are currently enrolled in or not more than six years graduated from established residency, fellowship or postdoctoral program related to pediatrics in an academic institution. Consideration is given to applicants who are six years past fellowship to extend their eligibility based on parental leave or other causes for lapses in research or research training similar to criteria used to extend one’s NIH ESI status. Junior Members may self-nominate year-round and are not assessed membership dues. Junior Members who have transitioned to faculty and published independent, hypothesis-driven work initiated after fellowship in which you are the first or last author may be eligible for nomination to the Active Member category and are encouraged to apply during the annual Call for Nominations. Visit the SPR Junior Section for additional details.

Annual Dues: $0

See policy below for details:

Membership Classification Policy

Emeritus Members

This category was modified in 2019. The age determination for Emeritus Members is eliminated. SPR Active Members may transition to Emeritus Member status by notifying SPR that they have retired. SPR Active Members may also request Emeritus status due to other circumstances, subject to approval by SPR Council on a case-by-case basis.

Annual Dues: $0

See policy below for details:

Membership Classification Policy