Children’s National faculty help guide the future of federally funded research - Children's National

Eleven Children's National faculty members are helping shape the future of biomedical research through service on the National Institutes of Health (NIH) peer review panels. Recognized by NIH leadership for their work in 2025, these experts brought their knowledge and experience to the rigorous evaluation of grant proposals competing for federal funding. Their contributions help identify promising science, strengthen the research process and move discoveries with the potential to improve health one step closer to reality.

The big picture

NIH invests about $38 billion each year in medical research through competitive grants. Peer reviewers assess the research question, study plan, team and potential impact of each proposal before funding decisions are made.

NIH selects reviewers based on their research accomplishments, publications and other scientific contributions. Serving on a panel requires substantial time and preparation, from reading detailed applications and writing assessments to taking part in panel discussions.

Reviewers also gain first-hand knowledge of the NIH review process that they can share with colleagues preparing future applications. Their service supports the national research community while strengthening research at Children's National.

Who was recognized

• Syed Muhammad Anwar, PhD, MS, associate director of the Division of AI Research
• Conrad Russell Y. Cruz, MD, PhD, principal investigator in the Program for Cell Enhancement and Technologies for Immunotherapies
• Terry Dean, MD, PhD, critical care specialist
• Muller Fabbri, MD, PhD, associate director of the Center for Cancer and Immunology Research
• Andrea Leigh Hahn, MD, MS, infectious diseases specialist
• Catherine Limperopoulos, PhD, director of the Center for Prenatal, Neonatal and Maternal Health Research
• Kazue Hashimoto-Torii, PhD, principal investigator in the Center for Neuroscience Research
• Ioannis Koutroulis, MD, PhD, MBA, research director for Emergency Medicine
• Anita K. Patel, MD, critical care specialist
• Diego A. Preciado, MD, PhD, chief of Pediatric Otolaryngology
• Allison Bassett Ratto, PhD, clinical psychologist and assistant clinical director of Neuropsychology

Four Children's National experts are taking on an even greater role in the NIH peer review process. As standing members of a study section, these leading scientists are formally appointed (often via the NIH Director or designees) to a chartered review group for a term lasting 4 to 6 years.

1. Fabbri serves on the Molecular Cancer Diagnosis and Classification study section, reviewing applications on the discovery, development and validation of molecular signatures of cancer.
2. Koutroulis serves on the Surgery, Trauma and Anesthesiology study section, reviewing grants on sepsis, wound healing, trauma, anesthetics and surgical complications.
3. Limperopoulos serves on the Developmental Brain Disorders study section, reviewing applications to investigate genetic, metabolic, immune, microbiome, infectious, environmental and behavioral factors in the fetal, neonatal, pediatric and adolescent brain that lead to abnormal brain development and function.
4. Patel serves on the National Institute for Child Health and Human Development study section.

Standing members make an ongoing commitment to review grant applications, take part in panel discussions and bring specialized knowledge to important funding decisions. Through this service, Drs. Fabbri, Koutroulis, Limperopoulos and Patel are helping the NIH identify promising research and support discoveries that could shape the future of health and medicine.

Why it matters

"Serving as an NIH peer reviewer is a meaningful commitment that strengthens the entire biomedical research community," said Catherine Bollard, MBChB, MD, senior vice president and chief research officer at Children's National. "Our faculty are helping uphold a rigorous, trusted process while bringing valuable insight back to Children's National and supporting the next generation of discoveries that improve health."

This service reflects the strength of the research community at Children's National which includes experts across disciplines who not only pursue bold ideas but also help determine which ideas can move science forward. By bringing their knowledge, leadership and commitment to the NIH peer review, these faculty members are strengthening research nationwide and helping build a healthier future for children and families everywhere.